Boxscore
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- More than 10,000 fans were there; so were nearly 100 former players, including longtime Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan. It was Senior Day, and it was the final scheduled men's basketball game in the 55-year history of Roberts Stadium.
Despite the gritty effort of the opposing Illinois State Redbirds, the day of celebration continued right through the hour-long post-game activities thanks to the University of Evansville's 73-67 victory in the final regular season game for both Missouri Valley Conference teams. Now 15-14 overall, the Aces finished 9-9 in league play, their best MVC record since the 2000-01 team finished 9-9. Evansville will go into the State Farm MVC Tournament as the #6 seed, and will take on #3 Indiana State in the quarterfinals Friday at 8:35 CST at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Illinois State kept the crowd of 10,581 quiet through most the first half, taking a 37-32 lead into the break. But Evansville scored the first eight points of the second half to take a 40-37 lead, and never trailed again. There was nothing easy for UE about the second half, however. After getting ahead by 11 with 2:09 to play on a Clint Hopf layup, Evansville almost immediately saw its lead drop to four at 69-65 in the final 40 seconds. Sophomore Colt Ryan hit two free throws to put the Aces up 71-65 with 32 seconds remaining, and after Evansville's defense forced a turnover, Ryan was fouled and hit two more at the line to seal the deal for Evansville. The Aces finished 12-3 at home this season.
"This is what Evansville Basketball is all about," Simmons said as he acknowledged the fans and former players following the game. "The fans have always been a big part of our program, and they really gave us a lift in the second half."
Seniors Kavon Lacey, Pieter van Tongeren and Hopf were limited to eight points, but it was the sophomore, Ryan, who provided enough offense for the victory. He finished with a career-high 32 points, including 13 of 14 free throw shooting. Sophomore Lewis Jones came off the bench to score a career-high 13. Tony Lewis and Anthony Cousin came off the bench to score 12 each for Illinois State (12-18, 4-14).
