Feb. 20, 2008
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -
Anthony Slack has seven points to lead Illinois State, but the Redbirds converted just six team field goals, and shot only 24 percent from the field, in the first half of Wednesday's Missouri Valley Conference tilt with Evansville at Roberts Stadium. The Purple Aces lead ISU, 27-20, at the half.
ISU jumped out to a 5-0 lead after Osiris Eldridge hit a three-pointer, and Anthony Slack dunked in transition following a steal. But UE pulled within 5-4 at the first media timeout (15:47) after Nate Garner countered with four quick points. ISU scored just one point in the ensuing 5:49, and called timeout with 11:58 remaining in the first half after the Purple Aces completed a 14-1 run.
ISU pulled within 16-13 at the 9:15 mark, but Evansville kept the pressure on, and claimed a 20-13 lead at the ensuing media timeout (6:47). The Redbirds called their second timeout just two minutes later, after the Aces strung together a quick 5-0 spurt to claim a 25-13 advantage. Shy Ely had two points, and Darin Granger hit a three-pointer in the corner during the spree.
The Redbirds continued to chip away at Evansville's lead, and finished the half on a 7-2 run to pull within 27-20 heading into the locker room for intermission. Slack and Brandon Sampay combined for three free throws in the final 50 seconds.
The Redbirds own a 18-16 rebounding advantage, but committed 10 turnovers.
