Trey Guidry led the way with 24 points as Illinois State set three Redbird Arena free throw records in an 87-70 win over Florida A&M, giving first year head coach Porter Moser his first win as the Redbird boss.
In the first half, the Birds came out full of energy, as they used a 9-0 run over the first 3:30 to gain control. Florida A&M would chip away at the lead, and eventually take their first lead of the ballgame at 7:00 following a 9-0 Rattler run. The Birds would quickly regain the lead and rebuild a 9-point cushion following a 10-0 run, fueled by two Guidry threes and a pair of Neil Plank buckets.
Kevin Troc saw his first action of the season the last two minutes of the first half, and would score Illinois States final three points, giving the Redbirds a 42-32 lead at the half, their biggest advantage of the half.
Guidry lead the way in the first half with 15, while Neil Plank added 12. Terrance Woods led the Rattlers with 13 in the first half.
The start of the second half was delayed by 10 minutes due to problems with the shot clock at the south end of Redbird Arena, but when play finally began, Illinois State would eventually build their lead to 14 at the 17:50 mark on a Gregg Alexander jumper.
Rattler head coach Mike Gillespie was ejected at the 14:05 mark, and within a minute, Illinois State would hold their biggest lead of the game at 64-41. Marcus Arnold had an outstanding second half, as he would score 17 in the second frame, and 22 for the game, setting a new career high.
Neil Plank showed the Redbird Arena crowd his versatility, as he had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Planks 17 and 10 was the first double-double for the Redbirds since Andy Strandmark went for 11 and 14 against Evansville last season. As a team, Illinois State shot 49% from the field.
Woods would lead the Rattlers with 22, however the Redbird defense harassed him all game, forcing one of the top three-point shooters in the nation to a 3-12 performance from behind the arc.
Illinois State set new Redbird Arena records for team free throws made with 38, and attempts with 48. Trey Guidry went 12-14 from the line, tying Rico Hill for the most free throws made in a game by an ISU player in Redbird Arena history.
Illinois State will next face Northern llinois Wednesday, November, 26 in Dekalb, Ill at 7:05.
