Tarise Bryson and Traves Wilson put the one-two punch in the Redbird backcourt on display as the two combined for 39 points to lead Illinois State past Lewis University, 72-55, in exhibition action Wednesday at Redbird Arena.
Bryson, who hit the game-winning shot against the California All-Stars on Thursday, made sure the game was out of reach heading down the stretch, tallying 11 of his game-high 25 points over the final five minutes of the second half to seal the Redbird victory.
Illinois State used a 14-2 run midway through the first half to break open the contest. The Birds held a 39-30 advantage at halftime but quickly found themselves back in a battle as Lewis went on a 13-6 run at the beginning of the second half to cut the Redbird lead to 45-43. Thats as close as Lewis would get as the Birds responded with a 14-2 run of their own to put the game out of reach.
ISU did much of its damage from the free throw line, outshooting Lewis 22-of-33 to 6-of-13.
In addition to Bryson, ISU got 14 points from Wilson and 10 from Shedrick Ford. The point guard position also looked in good shape with Ishmael Joyce notching eight points and four assists and Randy Rice chipping in with five points and four assists.
Lewis was led by Brennan Callahan with 11 points and eight rebounds while Austin Real added 10 points and six rebounds.
Illinois State opens the regular season against Chicago State on November 25 at Redbird Arena.
