The Illinois State Redbirds fell victim to a season-best shooting night from the UNI Panthers, as the hosts made 16-of-31 three-point baskets and 15-of-16 shots from the charity stripe in a 77-64 UNI win.
How It Happened
The Redbirds jumped out quickly with a basket from Phil Fayne, and ISU led by as many as four at 10-6 following a Fayne free throw. UNI followed by scoring the next six points, as the lead changed hands back to ISU after an Isaac Gassman three-pointer to give the visitors their final lead of the opening period at 13-12. Seven straight Panther points put the hosts in the driver's seat for the half, and UNI took a 43-31 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Panthers stretched their lead to as many as 16 points with 15:48 to play in the game, before the Redbirds starting to chip away at the deficit. Illinois State got back within as few as seven points with 3:54 to play in the contest but could not get any closer in the 13-point loss.
Key Moment
Illinois State got five points early as Illinois State jumped out to a quick 10-6 lead in the game.
Inside the Box Score
- Fayne scored a game-high 21 points, making 6-of-11 shots from the field and 9-of-14 from the free throw line. E also added three blocked shots, two steals and two assists.
- Zach Copeland scored nine points for the Redbirds while adding two assists and a steal.
- William Tinsley scored eight points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds for the Redbirds.
- Gassman made 2-of-6 three-point baskets, scoring eight points with a rebound and a steal.
- Keyshawn Evans scored eight points, making 2-of-6 shots from long range.
Stat of the Game
Five Redbirds scored at least eight points in the losing effort.
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What's Next
Illinois State comes back to Redbird Arena on Saturday, Feb. 15 when the team plays host to its I-74 rival Bradley in a 7 p.m. tip-off.
