Aug. 10, 2011
Final Stats
OTTAWA, Canada -
Illinois State appeared to be on its way back from a 17-point deficit, but the Redbirds could never retake the lead down the stretch and dropped a 90-80 decision to Carleton College at the Ravens' Nest Wednesday night.
After the Redbirds jumped out to a 5-0 lead, thanks to a jump shot by Johnny Hill followed by a three-point make from John Wilkins, Carleton, the 2011 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) champions, rattled off 10-straight points for a 10-5 lead.
The Ravens, leading 15-12, used a 14-0 run to push the lead to 29-12 with 8:15 left in the first half. The Redbirds cut the deficit to five points twice before the end of the half, but a three-pointer by Phillip Scrubb gave the Ravens' a 43-35 edge at the break.
Carleton scored the first seven points of the second half and once again put the Redbirds in a hole, trailing 50-35. Following a pair of Jordan Threloff free throws, Illinois State was within a point at 58-57 with 10:19 left in the game. Carleton increased its lead to five points, but a pair of free throws by Zeke Upshaw at the 7:58 mark tied the game, 64-64.
Despite the tie, Illinois State was never able to regain the lead. Slowly, Carleton rebuilt its advantage before settling for a 90-80 victory.
"We could not have hand-picked a better opponent," head coach Tim Jankovich said. "We competed well with the perennial Canadian champion. I am really excited about our team.:
Threloff led the Redbirds with 17 points on a 5-for-7 shooting effort and a 7-for-10 performance from the free throw line. Anthony Cousin added 13 points, while Jackie Carmichael tossed in 11. Once again, 10 Redbirds logged double-digit minutes.
"Jordan was outstanding and I loved Jackie's activity and toughness as well," Jankovich said. "Anthony also played very well."
Illinois State will be back in action Thursday night in Montreal, Canada, as the Redbirds will face Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) at 6 p.m. CT, for their third game in three days.
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