KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Truman State Men's basketball defeated Illinois Springfield 87-74 on Thursday night with the help of five double-digit scorers.

The Bulldogs found themselves in early trouble, down 20-7 with 9:39 left in the first half. Truman played their way back into the game and took a 39-35 lead at the end of the half. Truman shot 16-29 (55.2%) from the field and 5-11 (45.5%) from behind the arc. UIS shot good as well, going 13-24 (54.2%) and 7-16 (43.75%) from three.

The score was either tied or in Truman's favor the entire second half, with UIS playing catch-up for a majority of the contest. The Prairie Stars tied the game three different times in the second half of play, but were unable to take the lead from the Bulldogs. Truman's lead was threatened with 5:40 before Xavier Hall and Elijah Hazekamp hit two huge 3-pointers to all but ice the game. The Bulldogs shot an even 12-24 (50%) from the field and 4-7 (57.1%) in the second half. Truman made 22 of their 27 free throws which turned out to be key in the victory.

Elijah Hazekamp had a phenomenal game, scoring 29 points with eight rebounds. Hazekamp shot 9-14 from the field and connected on five of his seven 3-point attempts. 

Hunter Strait and Trey Shearer each scored 14 points, with Shearer adding five rebounds and five assists to his name.

Dylan Peeters and Xavier Hall were Truman's other two double-digit scorers. Peeters had 11 on an efficient 4-5 shooting, and Hall reached 10 points. Peeters recorded 11 assists and a block as well.

Keaton Mitchell played in his first game since January 14th, scoring five points on 2-3 shooting.

The Bulldogs are now 11-13 on the year and 6-10 in GLVC play. The win against UIS brought Truman to 6-6 at home this season.

Truman plays their final home game of the 2022-23 season on Saturday, February 11, at 3 p.m. The seniors on the team will be celebrated for their last game in Pershing Arena.