EVANSVILLE, IND. -- The University of Missouri-St. Louis men's basketball team shot a season-low 32.8 percent, including connecting on just four of 21 attempts from three-point land, in a 66-54 Great Lakes Valley Conference loss to No. 17-ranked Southern Indiana, Thursday night at USI's Physical Activities Center Gym.
The Tritons, who came into the night as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, had a dismal night making shots, with only 20 total makes on 61 attempts against a Screamin' Eagles defense that never let UMSL get into any kind of comfort zone.
A packed house of more than 1100 fans filled the PAC and contributed to UMSL's tough night with lots of noise and distraction throughout the evening.
Senior forward Charlie Woods had 13 points and 10 rebounds, but only made 5-of-17 shots, and teammate Darian Cartharn had 12 points, on 5-of-16 shooting, to lead the Tritons.
Despite the shooting woes, UMSL trailed just 33-31 at halftime and tied the game at 33 very early in the second half.
But the 18 minutes of the game were all USI, who outscored the Tritons 33-23 in the second half to cruise to its fifth straight victory.
For the season, UMSL is now 7-3, with an 0-2 mark in GLVC play.
USI, which has been ranked as high as No. 12 in the national rankings this season, is 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the GLVC.
Both clubs will be back in action on Saturday, with the Screamin' Eagles hosting Maryville at the PAC, and UMSL traveling to Kentucky to take on Kentucky Wesleyan for the final time perhaps ever, as KWC is leaving the league after this season.
UMSL's next home game is scheduled for January 10, when the Tritons will host No. 4 ranked Bellarmine at the Mark Twain Gymnasium in St. Louis.
Scoring Summary
Score by Half ............. 1 ... 2 -- Final Score
UMSL ........................ 31 . 23 -- 54
Southern Indiana ...... 33 . 33 -- 66
Individual Scorers
UMSL -- Charlie Woods 13, Darian Cartharn 12, Aareon Smith 10, Joshua McCoy 6, Justin Jones 4, Isiah Nunn 4, Neil Branham 3, Kevin Dwyer 2.
Southern Indiana -- Orlando Rutledge 14, Taylor Wischmeier 12, Austin Davis 11, Keith DeWitt 9, Aaron Nelson 7, Kenyon Smith 5, Evan Brinkmeyer 5, Lawrence Thomas 3.
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