Sophomore Greg Dilligard posted his first career double-double and swatted a career best seven blocked shots to lead Illinois State to a 73-67 non-conference victory over Loyola at Joseph J. Gentile Center Saturday afternoon.
With the victory the Redbirds improved to 8-2 on the season, while the Ramblers fell to 2-7 on the year.
Illinois State overcame an 11-point first half deficit, after trailing 18-7 with 14:31 left in the initial stanza. The Redbirds used a 13-4 first half run, including five points by Nedu Onyeuku, to close within two points at 22-20. ISU took its first lead of the game 29-28 at the 3:59 mark on Lorenzo Gordons second of two free throws. A Neil Plank three-pointer pushed the Redbird lead to five as ISU took a 40-35 advantage at the break.
The Birds jumped out to a nine-point lead to open the second half on back-to-back baskets by Gordon and Dana Ford. Loyola responded with a 20-7 run and wrestled away the lead to take control 55-51 with 10:29 left in the game. After four ties in the next seven minutes, back-to-back baskets by Plank and Trey Guidry gave ISU a 67-63 lead and the Redbirds hit 6-of-8 free throws to seal the 73-67 win.
Gordon led the Redbirds with 19 points, while Dilligard chipped in 12 points to go along with his 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Plank and Onyeuku came of the bench to score 16 and 10 respectively.
Dave Telander led Loyola with 19 points, Blake Schlib tossed in 16 and Pierre Parker finished with 12.
Illinois State returns to action and the road when the Redbirds travel to Southern Illinois on Thursday to open Missouri Valley Conference play on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
