With just 7.8 seconds left in the game, it looked as if Illinois State was going to walk out of JQH Arena with a win.

The Redbirds held a two-point lead over Missouri State on Sunday afternoon. All they had to do was inbound the ball safely and hold on, and the win was theirs.

Yet Indiana State couldn’t get the ball inbounds cleanly, which created a mad scramble for the ball near half court.

Finally, Missouri State guard Jarred Dixon came up with the loose ball, took one dribble and fired.

He was right on target.

The senior banked in the half-court heave to give Missouri State the 66-65 win against Illinois State.

“It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving kid than Jarred Dixon,” Missouri State coach Dana Ford told the Springfield News-Leader.

Tulio Da Silva led the Bears with 17 points and seven rebounds, shooting a perfect 8-of-8 from the field in the win. Ryan Kreklow finished with 14 points, and Dixon added 13 points.

Phil Fayne led the Red Birds with 22 points and six rebounds. Milik Yarbrough added 17 points, and Zach Copeland added 12 points. They were the only three players to score in double figures for Illinois State.

The win now moves Missouri State into a three-way tie for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, tied with Illinois State and Drake. The trio trail Loyola Chicago by two games.

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