Dec. 5, 2006
Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Allowing just 13 second-half points, a new Redbird Arena low, the fast-paced, second-half offensive effort by the duo of Greg Dilligard and Anthony Slack lifted the Illinois State men's basketball team over Miami (Ohio), 64-40, Tuesday night at Redbird Arena. Dilligard finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Slack added 15 points and 10 boards for the `Birds.
Securing their sixth straight win, the decision concludes a three-game home stand for the Redbirds, as ISU improves to 6-2 overall. Miami falls to 3-5 on the year.
Taking advantage of three Miami turnovers on consecutive offensive possessions, Illinois State jumped out to an early 5-2 lead courtesy of a Slack layup and a three-pointer from Dom Johnson. But the RedHawks answered with a 8-0 run, fueled by a pair of quick jumpers and a free throw from Miami forward Tim Pollitz, putting the score at 10-5 with just over 13 minutes left to play in the half.
The teams traded baskets for the next three minutes until a Levi Dyer trey at the 9:33 mark knotted the score at 14-14 and a Slack free throw on the ensuing offensive possession put the `Birds up by a single point, 15-14. But, RedHawk forward Nathan Peavy buried a three-pointer, followed by a layup, giving the visitors the upper hand as Miami led for the remainder of first half, taking a 27-25 advantage into the intermission. Pollitz finished the first half with 15 points, on a 7-for-10 shooting effort.
With the game knotted at 30, just over two minutes into the second half, Illinois State used a 34-10 run to close out the game. The story of the second half unfolded in the first eight minutes of the final period, as the Redbirds erupted for a 10 unanswered points, taking a 40-30 lead at the 12:42 mark. Sparked by a blocked shot by Slack, the `Birds ran the length of the floor where Boo Richardson threw up an alley-oop that Slack slammed home on the fast break. A foul was called on the play and Slack drained his shot from the charity stripe, finishing the traditional three-point play. Dilligard tossed in a layup and Osiris Eldridge put down a dunk of his own, adding to the excitement in the stretch.
Miami broke the streak with 12:21 left in the game, with Monty St. Clair connecting on a layup. But the Redbirds answered with back-to-back three pointers from Richardson and Eldridge, extending their lead to 46-32. Richardson ended the game with 13 points and four assists.
The `Birds used a 18-8 run in the game's final nine minutes to secure the win, while holding the RedHawks to just 13 second-half points. Pollitz led Miami with 17 total points, while Peavy chipped in another 12.
Illinois State opens Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday, traveling to Evansville, Ind., for a 2:05 pm tip off with the Purple Aces.
