Johnson powers Missouri State past Oral Roberts, 86-76

Dec 14, 2017, 10:27 pm

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Alize Johnson scored 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds while Jarred Dixon added another 15 points off the bench and Missouri State held off Oral Roberts late to take an 86-76 win Wednesday night.

Kris Martin, who finished with a career-high 35 points for Oral Roberts, converted a four-point play with 6:25 left to get the Golden Eagles (2-9) within one, 70-69. Ryan Kreklow responded with a jumper and Dixon hit back-to-back jumpers to push the Bears' lead back to five points, 76-71.

Johnson grabbed 10 of his rebounds off the offensive glass and converted 9 of 18 from the field in leading Missouri State (6-3). Collectively the Bears were 33 of 74 from the field (44.6 percent), including 7 of 21 from distance.

Martin, whose previous high was 19 points against Oklahoma on Dec. 7, was 13 of 22 from the field, including 7 of 14 from behind the arc.