D.J. Balentine scored all 18 of his points in the second half and broke Evansville’s career scoring record to help lead the Purple Aces (19-6, 8-4 MVC) past visiting Missouri State, 83-64, on Saturday.
Balentine’s 3-pointer with 2:47 to play gave him, 2,280 career points to pass Colt Ryan as Evansville’s career scoring leader.
The Bears (10-14, 6-6) got a career-high 21 points from Chris Kendrix to lead three players in double figures. Dequon Miller and Camyn Boone each pitched in 10 points apiece for Missouri State, which had a two-game win streak snapped in the loss.
In a game that was more statistically even than the final score indicated, both teams knocked down six 3-pointers, while Evansville scored two more field goals. The difference came at the foul line, where the Aces made 27-of-31 (.871) attempts on 27 Missouri State fouls called.
Missouri State will head to Northern Iowa (13-11, 5-6 MVC) on Wednesday night before returning to JQH Arena on Saturday, Feb. 13 for a Hall of Fame Weekend game against Indiana State at 3:05 p.m.
Story: Missouri State Athletics
