Illinois State fought back from a 22-point deficit to close the lead to eight, but that was as close as the Redbirds could get as they dropped an 86-74 decision to Illinois-Chicago at the UIC Pavilion in non-conference action Saturday night.
Once again it was Trey Guidry leading the way with 20 points off the bench, but Missouri transfer Najeeb Echols poured in 13 points on 6-for-6 shooting in his Redbird debut.
With the loss the Birds fell to 3-3 on the season, while UIC improved to 8-2 on the year.
The Flames, which never trailed, jumped out to a 12-point advantage in the first half thanks to a 12-3 run at the nine-minute mark of the first half. UIC pushed the lead to 16 in the first frame, but settled for a 12-point edge, 50-38, thanks to 20 first half points by Cedric Banks.
In the second half, the Birds came out cold as UIC jumped out on a 11-1 run to take a 61-39 lead with 15:40 left in the game. The Redbirds battled back with a 17-3 run and closed the gap to 68-60 powered by six points from Guidry.
The Flames pushed the lead back up to 13 points and again the Redbirds closed the gap to 78-71 with 2:11 left on the clock, but that was as close as ISU would get.
Guidry also led the Redbirds with six boards and five assists, while Marcus Arnold and Vince Greene each chipped in 11 points apiece.
Aaron Carr led all scorers with 23 points for the Flames, including 21 points in the second half. Banks finished with 22 and Martell Bailey tossed in 13 points and 12 assists.
Illinois State returns to action Tuesday night when the Redbirds host Western Kentucky at Redbird Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
