EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Michigan Tech pushed host Southern Indiana to the limit but couldn't get the final basket in a 58-57 loss to the Screaming Eagles at the Physical Activities Center today in non-conference men's basketball action.

Robby Springborn tallied a game-high 22 points and nearly had the game-winner on a debatable final play. The Huskies junior guard drove to the hoop with time expiring and had his shot blocked as he was knocked to the floor.

"We played an NCAA Tournament-caliber team to an even game on their floor," said head coach Kevin Luke. "I thought we played well enough to win, and I'm tremendously disappointed we didn't come away with a better result. We executed our game plan very well, but we just couldn't close it out. A couple of turnovers let them back into it."

Tech led, 34-30, at the half and extended the margin to 51-40 with 8:05 to go. USI proceeded to make a 16-4 run aided by a pair of 3-pointers from Tyson Schnitker and two Huskies' turnovers.

Springborn tied the contest at 57 with a layup at the 1:35 mark. After both teams missed shots, George Cunningham made 1-of-2 free throws with 36 seconds left for the eventual game-winning margin.

Tim Strom joined Springborn as the only other Tech player in double figures. Fedrick Bowe paced the team in rebounds with six.

The Screaming Eagles held a 32-23 rebounding margin, but it was the Huskies with a better field goal percentage (46 compared to 41). Tech was whistled for 21 fouls compared to just 10 for USI.

Michigan Tech (6-6) will return home to face #2 Grand Valley State on Saturday (Jan. 5). The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game is slated to tip off at 3 p.m.