Springfield, IL -- Jace Easley erupted for 35 points, while Conor McCaffrey contributed 22 points and 13 assists to power O.S. Springfield (12-3, 3-1 LSA) past Trinity Edwardsville (8-4, 0-2 LSA) 69-60 on Thursday night.
The game remained tight until midway through the second half, when Easley caught fire from beyond the arc.
-- The star guard drained three straight three-pointers, sparking a 14-0 run that allowed Springfield to pull away late.
-- Lucas Schmidt played a big role on defense, adding four steals.
-- Jeremiah Perkins stepped up inside, finishing with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
O.S. needed this momentum shift, as Edwardsville’s physical defense had disrupted their flow early.
Springfield had just played four games in six days, and Coach Phillip Heppe acknowledged the mental and physical toll.
"It’s been a trying and difficult week for us, coming off four games since Friday and the Christmas holiday tucked in between. But we did what we had to do."
Despite their heavy schedule, the Eagles locked in late to close out a strong win.
Easley’s performance left no doubt about his dominance.
-- He controlled the pace, got teammates involved early, and took over when it mattered most.
-- His late scoring surge sealed the game and left Edwardsville coach Marcus Spiller impressed.
"The bottom line is Jace played at an MVP level tonight. Made every big play for them. It creates a lot of problems for everyone else." – Coach Spiller
Conor McCaffrey didn’t hold back in praising his longtime backcourt mate.
"I believe he’s the best player in the state right now."
Easley himself credited his patient approach:
"I like to make the game come to me. That’s how I play. I like to get my teammates involved early and ease myself into the game. When it’s time to win the game, I take my shots."
Trinity Edwardsville, known for its suffocating defense, made things difficult, but Springfield’s elite backcourt proved to be the difference.
"Edwardsville was as good as advertised on defense," Heppe said. "We had to play slow against one of the best defenses in the state today. Thank goodness we have two of the best players in the state on the floor for us in Jace Easley and Conor McCaffrey."
Despite fatigue from a tough schedule, Springfield handled a top-tier defensive opponent and showcased its championship-level talent.
With Easley and McCaffrey continuing to dominate, the Eagles remain on track as serious LSA contenders.