The Illinois State mens basketball team knocked down seven of eight free throws in the final minute of play against Northern Iowa Wednesday night, topping the Panthers 68-60 for their first road victory of the season.
The win was the first on the road since an 80-50 victory over Indiana State on March 1, 2003, and it moved the Birds record to 6-11, 2-7 in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Northern Iowa jumped all over Illinois State early, taking a 14-5 lead to start the game. However, the Redbirds answered with a 21-4 run to take an eight-point lead.
Illinois State led 32-22 at the half after Trey Guidry knocked down a long two from inside the three-point arc as time expired.
The Birds out-rebounded the Panthers in the first half 24-11, including an 11-1 advantage on the offensive glass. Marcus Arnold led the way with six offensive rebounds in the first half. Illinois State held the rebounding edge for the game, 38-26.
The Redbird lead rose to 42-29 after a three-pointer from Neil Plank at the 15:48 mark. However, Chris Foster closed the gap to 45-42 with his three at the 9:37 mark.
Foster again came through for the Panthers, knocking down a three with 3:09 left in the game, cutting the Redbird lead to 54-51. Matt Schneiderman closed the gap to four by hitting a trey with 29 seconds left, but Vince Greene and Guidry went a combined 4-of-4 from the free throw line in those final 29 seconds for the games final score.
Guidry led all Redbird scorers with 17 points off the bench, while Greene had 13 and Gregg Alexander chipped in 11. Ben Jacobson was the only Northern Iowa player in double figures with 21 points.
The Birds return to action at home on Saturday, January 31, against Bradley. Tip-off is at 4:05 p.m.
