Nov. 22, 2005
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CINCINNATI (AP) - Greg Dilligard's career-high 16 points, including 10 in the second half, weren't enough as Illinois State fell 76-59, to Cincinnati in non-conference action at the Fifth Third Arena Tuesday night.
With the loss the Redbirds fell to 1-1 on the season, while Cincinnati improved to 2-0 overall.
The Redbirds jumped out of the gate early, thanks to a pair of baskets from Dilligard, and stormed out to a 12-5 lead with 16:09 left in the first half. The 'Birds and the Bearcats went toe-to-toe for the next seven minutes and Cincinnati held a 26-22 edge. But the ISU shooting went cold as the Redbirds were held scoreless for nearly five-and-a-half minutes, while Cincinnati put together a 12-0 run and took a commanding 38-22 lead with 4:10 left in the half.
However, the Redbirds showed some tenacity and responded with a 12-5 run of their own to end the half and cut into the Bearcat lead at 43-34 at the intermission. Dana Ford led the Redbirds offensively in the first half with 12 points, which set a new career high for the fourth-year senior.
The second half was much of the same as the 'Birds came out firing and closed the deficit to 49-43, but another six minute scoring drought lifted the Cincinnati lead to 59-43. The Redbirds were never able to get any closer thanks to 13 second-half turnovers.
The Redbirds finished with 26 turnovers, but showed signs of maturing as a team. Dilligard's 16 points and Ford's 12 tallies were the only ISU players in double digits. Cincinnati was led by Devan Downey with 21 points, while James White chipped in 19 points and Armein Kirkland added 10. The Bearcats Eric Hicks grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
Illinois State returns to action on Saturday when the Redbirds host Western Michigan at Redbird Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
