Marcus Arnold scored 24 points to lead four Redbirds in double figures as Illinois State defeated Global Sports 81-75 Sunday night at Redbird Arena.
The Redbirds shot well all night, as they hit 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from behind the 3-point arc. Not to be outdone, Global Sports shot 57 percent from the field and 41 percent from three point range.
In the first half, Mark Green opened the game with a three for Global Sports, however the Birds came out on fire, following Greens three up with a 12-0 Redbird run. Arnold was a force early for Illinois State, as he scored all 12 of his first half points in the first seven minutes.
As Global Sports drew within one at 18-17, the Redbird sharpshooters took center stage, as a Gregg Alexanders field goal was followed up by four straight Trey Guidry threes.
The Redbirds and the All-Stars would go toe-to-toe for the rest of the half, as Global Sports would get its second lead of the game with just over a minute left. However, Chris Burras was able to convert two straight three-point plays, including an acrobatic shot with under one second to go, giving the Birds the lead heading into the locker room at 44-41.
In the second half, Illinois State used a 7-0 run midway through to get a little breathing room, as they extended their lead to seven at 68-61. Much like the first half, Global Sports kept it close, as they would tie the Redbirds at 58 and 61, but the Birds never trailed in the second half.
Other Redbirds in double figures included Alexander (15), Guidry (15), and Burras (14). Burras was relentless all night on the glass, leading the way with seven rebounds, including six on the offensive end.
The Birds finish their exhibition season with a 1-1 record, and will open up the regular season Sunday, November 23, at home against Florida A&M at 2:05 p.m.
