EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men's Basketball fought to the bitter end, but lost to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 77-75, tonight in Screaming Eagles Arena. The Screaming Eagles are to 5-14 overall and 2-4 in OVC play, while the Trojans are 9-10 overall, 3-3 OVC.
 
The Eagles fell behind early in the contest, trailing 19-6 after a five-minute scoring drought to start the game. USI junior forward Jack Mielke (Downers Grove, Illinois) snapped the scoreless streak with a three-pointer from the top of the key and sent the Eagles on a 10-0 run to pull within three, 19-16, with 7:47 left in the half.
 
The USI defense also held the Trojans scoreless for 2:38 during the run.
 
USI and Little Rock traded buckets until a quick 9-2 run by the Eagles gave them a 31-30 lead following a three-point field goal with 3:28 left in the half by junior guard/forward Javius Moore (McComb, Mississippi), who had 15 first half points. Little Rock quickly regained the lead and outscored USI 12-6 in the final minutes of the first half to lead 42-37 at the break.
 
Neither team got off to a great start to begin the second half, but the Trojans were able to pad their half time lead by outscoring USI, 6-4, through the first seven minutes of the final half and led 48-41 with 13:03 to play. A quick surge by USI cut the deficit to three, 48-45, while Little Rock responded in kind to re-extend the margin to eight points, 53-45, with 10:35 remaining.
 
USI would once again rally to tie the score, 55-55, on a 10-2 run, and was led by junior guard Jeremiah Hernandez (Chicago, Illinois), who scored eight of the 10 USI points during the run.
 
Little Rock, however, would surge ahead again and led by seven, 65-58, with 3:02 remaining in the contest. USI would rally a final time in the final minutes, closing the gap to 74-72 with 33 seconds left on a layup by Hernandez.
 
Following a couple of USI misfires and a pair of Little Rock free throws, Mielke pulled USI to within one, 76-75, on a three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left. The Eagles would get no closer as the Trojans closed out the 77-75 decision with a free throw.
 
In the scoring column, Hernandez finished with a game-high 28 points to led three Eagles in double-digits. Mielke followed with 17 points, while Moore closed out the double-digit scorers with his 15 first half points.
 
Next Up For USI:
USI continues the three-game homestand Saturday when it hosts Morehead State University January 20 at 3:30 p.m. for Military Appreciation Day. Saturday's military appreciation includes free tickets for veterans and their guests. Proof of service will be required, and tickets are limited to five (5) per veteran may be picked up the day of the game at Will Call. Military Appreciation Day tickets are courtesy of the USI Student Veteran Association. Additionally, arrive early for a special giveaway on Saturday.
 
Morehead State (14-5, 5-1 OVC) defeated the University of Tennessee at Martin, 84-66, at home this evening to remain second in the OVC. The MSU Eagles took both games with USI last year, winning at home, 84-80, and at Screaming Eagles Arena in overtime, 71-66.  
 
Fans can find all the ways to follow USI Basketball action at home by visiting USIScreamingEagles.com.