LEBANON, Ill. — The Truman State Bulldogs executed in crunch time to secure a 77-73 victory over McKendree in Saturday's conference showdown at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.

The Bulldogs (8-6, 2-4 GLVC) led by as many as 14 points in the first half but had to endure a push by the Bearcats down the stretch. McKendree took a lead at 69-67 with 3:37 remaining but Kobi Williams got an offensive rebound putback to knot the score back up. 

Both teams exchanged empty possessions before Williams struck from distance with 1:34 showing off a pass from Xavier Hall. Following a rebound from Williams off a miss, the Bulldogs broke out quickly with Hall capping off his 21-point performance with a fast break layup to extend the lead out to five points. 

McKendree (7-7, 4-3 GLVC) shot 50% in the second half with five three-pointers and were led by Kevin Stein's 22 points. 

Williams finished with 19 points and six rebounds for Truman State, while Hall added five assists to his offensive output. Landon Eiland grabbed 10 rebounds. The Bulldogs shot 14-of-17 from the free-throw line in the second half to maintain their edge and 19-of-23 for the game.

Truman State will welcome Upper Iowa to Pershing Arena to begin a three-game home stand on Thursday night with a scheduled tip-off around 7:30 p.m.