CARBONDALE, Ill.– Despite putting four players in double-figure scoring, including 21 points from senior Phil Fayne, the Illinois State Redbirds fell victim to a strong finish by Southern Illinois, falling 72-63 in the regular season finale for both squads.
How It Happened
The teams traded baskets back and forth, and Southern Illinois lead 11-9 with 16:09 to play in the first half before the Redbirds ran off a 10-2 run which was started with a three-point basket from Keyshawn Evans and was capped by a Rey Idowu jumper in the paint, as the Redbirds pushed to a six-point lead. The Salukis fought back to take a one-point lead, as the lead changed hands 11 times in the opening half of play. The hosts closed strong and took a 31-29 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Illinois State got three baskets from Fayne on the first three possessions of the first half, and jumped out to a six-point, 39-33 lead. The margin reached as many as nine points after back-to-back Zach Copeland three-point baskets. Southern Illinois responded by scoring the next seven points to close back within two and took their first lead since the early moments of the period with 6:45 to play in the contest. Illinois State was able to push back ahead by two after a pair of Fayne free throws; however, SIU answered by scoring the next 13 points, including a stretch where SIU made three-point baskets on three straight possessions to secure the nine-point victory.
Key Moment
Southern Illinois' 13-2 run over the final 3:09 of the contest erased a two-point ISU lead in the game.
Inside the Box Score
- Fayne scored 21 points, making 9-of-14 of his shots from the field and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe. He also grabbed a game-high three steals in the contest.
- Evans scored 13 points with two assists and a steal.
- Milik Yarbrough scored a dozen points with four rebounds and two steals.
- Copeland scored 10 points with three rebounds and an assist.
Stat of the Game
- Illinois State was out-rebounded, snapping a six-game streak of out-rebounding its opponent.
What's Next
The Redbirds officially find out their fate of seeding for the upcoming MVC Tournament, but barring any surprises with the NCAA's NET rankings, Illinois State will face off against the Evansville Aces in the second game of the day on Thursday, March 4.
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