NORMAL, Ill. - The 2019-20 Illinois State men's and women's basketball teams performed and showed off each of their respective squads at Hoopfest on Friday night on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
The season tipoff event started with introductions of both the men's and women's teams and each program's coaching staffs.
A three-point contest followed, as Zach Copeland earned season-long bragging rights as he topped TeTe Maggett in the championship round of the contest.
During a red team vs. black team women's scrimmage, senior Lexi Wallen led the Black team to a 17-16 win as she scored a dozen points, including making a pair of three-point baskets. Mary Crompton led the Red team with six points while Paige Saylor dished out three assists.
In the men's scrimmage, Dedric Boyd scored a scrimmage-high 13 points, including making all three of his three-point attempts in leading the white team to a 33-27 win in the 10-minute contest. Abdou Ndiaye also went a perfect 3-for-3 from long range for the white team, as Harouna Sissoko scored 11 points to lead the red team. Copeland and Jaycee Hillsman each dished out three assists in the losing effort.
After the event both squads made their way to the concourse where they signed autographs for the fans in attendance.
The Illinois State men's basketball team opens its 2019-20 season with an exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 23 against Truman State, and the regular season kicks off on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at home against Belmont.
The women's team starts up the 2019-20 season at home on Wednesday, Oct. 30 against the Lindenwood Lions in an exhibition, and less than a week later officially start the season with the home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5 against Truman State.
