CHICAGO (AP) LaVell Boyd hit five 3-pointers and made four big free throws in the final half-minute, scoring 25 points as UMKC held off a persistent Chicago State 87-82 on Saturday night, and will make the playoffs for the first time.
Kyle Steward added 13 points while Broderick Newbill and Broderick Robinson each had 11 as UMKC (16-15, 8-6 Western Athletic) posted a winning record in the regular season for the first time since the 2010-2011 season. The Kangaroos claimed the No. 3 seed to next week's WAC Tournament in Las Vegas because third-place Grand Canyon is transitioning from Division II and is ineligible.
Fred Sims Jr. poured in 31 points on 13-for-28 shooting as Chicago State (6-25, 1-13) battled to the wire trying to claim a second conference win.
UMKC's largest lead was nine points as Chicago State was able to stay within striking distance. Brian Greene Jr. slashed into the 72-63 lead with a 3-pointer, Sims hit two from the line and Trayvon Palmer scored on a putback to make it 74-70. The Cougars came as close as 83-80 on another Palmer putback with 17 seconds left.
Boyd and Steward closed it out at the line.
Copyright 2017 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.