Johnson posts 17th double-double in Missouri State's win

Feb 10, 2018, 10:21 pm

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Alize Johnson scored 11 points with 13 rebounds and J.T. Miller scored 16 points as Missouri State defeated Evansville 72-55 on Saturday.

Johnson, who posted his 17th double-double this season, made seven straight free throws in an 11-0 run that closed the first half, giving the Bears (17-10, 7-7 Missouri Valley Conference) a 37-24 lead.

Miller opened the second half with a dunk and the lead remained in double figures, reaching 23 late on a Miller bucket.

Obediah Church had a career-high 13 rebounds, surpassing 500 in his career, along with nine points and Mustafa Lawrence added 12 points for the Bears, who have won two straight. The Bears dominated the boards 45-22, including 17 on the offensive end that led to advantages of 16-3 in second-chance points and 38-16 in the paint.

Ryan Taylor and Dru Smith had 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Purple Aces (16-11, 6-8).