Tarise Bryson overcame a poor shooting performance to hit the game-winning 12-foot jumper with 12 seconds remaining in the game as Illinois State defeated the California All-Stars 88-87 in the Redbirds exhibition opener from Redbird Arena, Thursday.
Bryson connected on only 4-of-14 shots in the game but came through when it mattered, scoring 10 of Illinois States final 12 points, including the final six of the contest for the Redbirds.
The two teams played neck and neck the entire game with neither team able to claim a lead larger than seven points. The California All-Stars were able to withstand a 12-0 run by the Birds early in the second half to keep the game close to the end.
Illinois State received a strong game from its bench with Ishmael Joyce and Shawn Jeppson scoring 12 apiece. Joyce looked strong in the first half, tallying nine points on 4-of-5 shooting while Jeppson led the charge with seven second-half points, including a crucial three-pointer down the stretch.
The Birds also received solid contributions from freshmen Cedric Knight, Dirk Williams and Jason Hammock. Knight scored four points and added a game-high four steals while Williams chipped in with six points and four rebounds. Hammock chipped in with seven points.
A wave of transfers also put in solid performances for the Birds, led by Arizona transfer Traves Wilson who looked solid in his Redbird debut with 10 points and seven rebounds Randy Rice added five points and Shedrick Ford scored nine.
A question mark coming into the season, the Birds post players were a factor in the victory as well. Chad Mazanowski notched six points and four boards while Andy Strandmark added five points and seven rebounds.
Courtney James scored a game-high 24 points to lead four All-Stars in double figures. Roberto Bergeson scored 17, Sean Pryor added 13 and Michael Gill chipped in with 12.
Illinois State returns to action on Wednesday, November 15 when they host Lewis University at Redbird Arena.
