LIBERTY, Mo. - Despite trailing for 85% of the contest, the William Jewell men's basketball team rallied at just the right moment on Thursday, as Justice Sutton hit a three pointer with just over two seconds remaining to defeat Illinois Springfield, 69-68. The Cardinals move to 18-9 on the season and 14-5 in league action and maintain their standing in the No. 2 spot in the GLVC Point Rating System. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both teams came out of the gates slowly, combining just 18 points after more than seven minutes of action. A three from Isaac Patterson gave Jewell a five point lead before the Prairie Stars followed with a 23-7 run to open up an 11-point advantage. The Cardinals cut the deficit to five late in the half, but UIS took a double digit lead into the locker room. 
• UIS opened the second half, pushing their advantage to a dozen before the Cardinals began to rally. Jewell pulled within one possession eight times but upon each the Prairie Stars responded.
• After Jordan Rice hit one-of-two free throws to make it a two point game with 12 seconds remaining but Sutton came down the floor and nailed a three pointer to put the Cardinals on top by one. UIS got off a shot desperation shot at the buzzer that went off the side of the backboard to secure the Jewell win. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Sutton led all scorers with 32 points while Bradley Lightbourne added 23 and Patterson chipped in 10 as the trio accounted for 65 of Jewell's 69 points. 
• Patterson also grabbed a team high nine rebounds and shared the team lead with Kanukayi Gudza with three assists. 

UP NEXT
Jewell will host Truman State on Saturday in the regular season finale. The Cardinals will honor four seniors prior to tip off.