Early's late heroics lift Wichita State past Illinois State 68-67, keep Shockers in MVC lead

Cleanthony Early's 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds remaining capped Wichita State's comeback and gave the Shockers a 68-67 victory over Illinois State Sunday night.

Early scored 12 points, all in the second half. The Shockers (22-5, 11-4) scored the game's final eight points over the last 36 seconds for their only second-half lead and moved into a one-game lead over Creighton in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Wichita State has won three straight since a three-game losing streak.

Malcolm Armstead led Wichita State with 18 points and six assists. Carl Hall scored 13 and Demetric Williams had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Tyler Brown led Illinois State (16-11, 7-8) with 17 points. Johnny Hill scored 14, Jackie Carmichael had 12 points and nine rebounds and Bryant Allen scored 12. The Redbirds, who went without a field goal in the final 6:15, had won four straight and seven of their last eight.