Nov. 21, 2009
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NORMAL, Ill. - Osiris Eldridge led all scorers with 24 points and was one of two Redbirds with double-digit points as Illinois State defeated North Florida, 71-55, on Doug Collins Court in Redbird Arena Saturday.
Eldridge, who moved into 13th position on the Redbirds career-points list, made 10-of-16 from the floor, including four three-pointers, and was joined by Dinma Odiakosa (12) in double figures. Eldridge and Lloyd Phillips paced the Redbirds with five assists each and Odiakosa led the Redbirds with six rebounds. Odiakosa recorded his 500th rebound in the win.
Illinois State opened the game with an 11-2 run before North Florida worked its way back within four points at 16-12. Illinois State used baskets from five different players, including three-pointers from Phillips and Justin Clark, to score the game's next 12 points over a 7:03 span. The Redbirds closed the half with a 26-5 run and led the Ospreys 42-17 at the break. Illinois State's defense forced 14 turnovers leading to 16 points, and limited North Florida to 31.8 percent shooting from the field.
Illinois State pushed its lead to as many as 26 points early in the first seven minutes of the second half before the Ospreys cut it back down to 20 after a four-and-a-half minute scoring drought for the Redbirds. ISU used a 59.2 percent (29-of-49) shooting night to put away the Ospreys. Illinois State outscored North Florida 32-18 in the paint and 26-10 off turnovers.
Stan Januska was the leading scorer for North Florida with 13 points, while three Ospreys pulled down three rebounds.
Illinois State will travel to Illinois-Chicago Monday, Nov. 23, before returning to Redbird Arena for a five-game home stand. Illinois State will host the Basketball Travelers Classic next weekend (Nov. 27-29). Single game and season tickets for Illinois State's home events can be purchased by visiting GoRedbirds.com or calling the Redbird Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
