Tarise Bryson scored 24 of his career-high 41 points in the second half as Illinois State overcame a 33-30 halftime deficit to beat Central Michigan 85-73 in mens basketball action at Rose Arena.
Bryson topped his career-high of 40, set last season against Miami, with a blistering shooting performance as he knocked down 10-of-17 field goals, including 4-of-6 three pointers, to lead ISU to victory.
Illinois State, 2-1, overcame a sluggish start and 36 percent shooting in the first half to connect on 14-of-24 second-half field goals and hand Central Michigan, 4-1, its first loss of the year.
Bryson and the Birds won the game at the free throw line, connecting on 35-of-45 charity attempts, including 24-of-29 in the second half. Bryson paced ISU at the line, making 17-of-18 free throw attempts.
The Birds used a decisive 21-7 run midway through the second half to turn a four-point deficit into a 10-point advantage. CMU cut the Redbird lead to as few as four points with three minutes remaining in the contest, but the Birds nailed 14-of-16 free throws in crunch time to seal the victory.
Shawn Jeppson came of the Redbird bench to contribute all 11 of his points in the second half when ISU grabbed control of the game. Traves Wilson also played a key role for the Birds, adding 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds.
The Redbird defense hounded CMUs leading scorer, David Webber, the entire game, holding him to only nine points on 1-of-10 shooting from the field.
ISU returns to action Wednesday against Bowling Green State at Redbird Arena.
