A Gregg Alexander three-pointer ignited a 14-0 second half run that helped lead the Illinois State basketball team to an 82-47 victory over Truman State in the teams home opener Monday night.
The Redbirds (3-1) were led again by the stellar play of Lorenzo Gordon, who had 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Vince Greene chipped in 14 points and 5 assists.
The Redbirds jumped out to an early 8-0 lead thanks to a lay-up by Gordon and three-pointers from Trey Guidry (10 points) and Alexander (8 points).
Illinois State extended its lead to 14 at halftime, 33-19, with Gordon and Greene each chipping in 10 points apiece.
The Redbird lead extended even further in the second half. Neil Planks three-pointer and Greg Dilligards lay-up made the score 44-23, but Truman State answered with a 10-0 run of their own with Matt Brock and Austin Kirby each hitting a three during that stretch. The lead was cut to 44-33, until Alexander ended the run with his trey.
Alexanders basket started the 14-0 run for the Birds and they never looked back. Dilligards dunk off his own steal ignited the Redbird Arena crowd and gave the home team a 58-33 advantage.
Mike Opplands 12 points led Truman State.
The Redbirds will play host to Tennessee-Martin on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 2:05 p.m.
Game Notes:
Trey Guidrys three-pointer in the first quarter extended the Redbirds streak of consecutive games with a three-pointer made to 145.
Guidrys 8 rebounds against Truman State were a single-game career-high for the senior.
Vince Greene extended his consecutive free throws made streak to 54 by going 2-for-2 from behind the charity stripe against Truman State.
