ST. LOUIS (AP) Alize Johnson had 22 points, 19 rebounds and six assists to help seventh-seeded Missouri State hold off No. 10 seed Valparaiso 83-79 in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Thursday night.

Jarrid Rhodes, who totaled 20 points, and Ryan Kreklow, who finished with 11 points off the bench, made eight straight free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Johnson had his 20th double-double of the season.

Missouri State (18-14) won the right to face against No. 2 seed Southern Illinois (19-12) on Friday. Southern Illinois took an 81-80 overtime victory the last time the teams met on Feb. 24. The Bears also lost the previous game 79-77.