Five Redbird players scored in double digits, including 14 a piece by Baboucarr Bojang and Gregg Alexander, as the Illinois State mens basketball team defeated Evansville, 73-55, in Valley action in Evansville, Ind., tonight.
With the win, Illinois State (13-12, 9-5) moves above the .500 mark and wins its seventh in last eight games. Evansville falls to 5-18, 2-12.
Vince Greene and Shedrick Ford contributed 13 points each while Shawn Jeppson had 11. Bojang, who also posted 12 boards, notched his eighth double double on the year.
Jumping out to a quick start, the Birds were 4-for-5 before the 16 minute mark and took an early 10-point lead, 12-2. Still up by 10 with ten minutes to play in first, Illinois State continued to dominate and held on to the lead, 41-27 at halftime.
The Redbirds did not falter in the second, never losing the edge, and were up by as many as 13, 66-51, with 3:26 to play. With an 18-point advantage with 1:40 left in the game, Evansville could not muster any more points.
The Redbirds face the Salukis of Southern Illinois on Saturday at 2:05 at Redbird Arena. It is designated Senator John Maitland Day and Senator Maitland will be honored at halftime of the game.
