The UMSL Tritons (14-6, 8-5) just couldn't string together the runs early in the ballgame Saturday evening.

The Tritons battled back all night, erasing first- and second-half deficits, but the Bearcats were able to hang on and escape with the 70-66 GLVC win.

The win pushes the Bearcats to 15-4 overall and 9-3 in the conference.

The tilt was knotted up at 31 with 20 minutes to go, and both teams exchanged jabs, as both teams tossed up nine points in the first five minutes.

Steve Webb's old-fashioned 3-point play put the Tritons up 50-49 with 9:32 remaining.

Four quick points and a stifling defense gave SBU some momentum as they led by two points with seven minutes to go, 53-51.

Webb's dribble penetration and his ability to contort his body on drives kept the Tritons alive on a plethora of possessions. Marty Jackson converted his 3-point play and the Tritons were down 66-58.

Jackson hit a pair from the line, and all of a sudden it was a six-point deficit. The Tritons forced the SBU turnover and Jackson once again went to the line, hitting one-of-two, giving the Bearcats just a five-point advantage, 68-63.

Trever Moore's ling-distance prayer pulled the Tritons to within four points, but with just nine seconds to go, the Bearcats were able to squeak out the win in a game that comprised a postseason ambience.

The Tritons are home at 6 p.m. Monday as Rockhurst visits.