ORLANDO – The Illinois State Redbirds fell into an early hole against the UCF Knights on Friday evening, and despite a late rally could not overcome their early deficit in a 77-56 loss to close the non-conference season.
How It Happened
UCF held the Redbirds scoreless for the first 4:16 of the game, while building an 8-0 early lead. Illinois State got on the board first with a Rey Idowu dunk with 15:44 to play in the opening half. The Redbird deficit yo-yoed between six and 12 points, with UCF leading by eight with 12:19 to play before the hosts ran off 11 consecutive points to push the margin to 19, and the Knights took a 43-18 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Coming out with renewed vigor to start the second half, the Redbirds started chipping away at the deficit, and used a 9-0 run to cut a 22-point deficit to 13 with 5:46 to play in the game. That 13-point margin would ultimately be as close as ISU would come the rest of the way in the 21-point loss to the American Athletic Conference preseason favorite.
Key Moment
UCF opened the game on an 8-0 run, and never trailed in the contest.
Inside the Box Score
- Phil Fayne tied for the team-high with 10 points and is now 29 points away from 1,000 for his career. He also pulled down a team-high six rebounds in the loss.
- Keyshawn Evans scored 10 points, making 3-of-6 from long range while also dishing out two assists.
- All 10 Redbirds that saw action in the game reached the scoring column.
- Zach Copeland scored eight points while dishing out a team-high three assists.
Stat of the Game
Despite trailing at halftime, the Redbirds fought back and out-scored the Knights 38-34 in the second half.
What's Next
The Redbirds start Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday, Jan. 2, when ISU travels to face off against the Valparaiso Crusaders in a 7 p.m. tip-off at the Athletics Recreation Center..
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