NORMAL, Ill. - Daishon Knight scored 17 points to lead Illinois State past Missouri State 67-63 Tuesday night.
Illinois State made just 4-of-19 (21.1 percent) from 3-point range but made 26 of a season-high 36 free throw attempts, and forced 21 Missouri State turnovers.
Illinois State (15-12, 8-7 Missouri Valley) improved to 13-1 when leading with 5 minutes to play this season.
Austin Ruder's 3 with 4:53 to play gave the Bears a 58-56 lead, but MSU would make only one more field goal - a 3-pointer by Gavin Thurman with :24 left.
The Redbirds hit 10-of-13 free throws in the final 2:37 to seal the win.
Bobby Hunter scored 14 and Nick Zeisloft added 11 for Illinois State.
Jarmar Gulley led Missouri State (17-10, 7-8) with 24 points.