PEORIA, Ill. – Despite 17 points from both Keith Fisher III and DJ Horne, the Illinois State Redbirds fell by a 75-63 final score to the Bradley Braves on Wednesday evening.
How it Happened
The Redbirds started strong, scoring the first five points of the game on a Horne three-pointer and a Fisher jumper in the paint. Illinois State's lead grew to as many as eight at 23-15 following a three-pointer by Zach Copeland; however, Bradley fought back with an 11-2 run to take its first lead of the game with 6:50 to play in the first half. The lead changed hands six more times in the first half, and Illinois State took a two-point, 36-34 lead into the locker room at halftime after a Horne jumper with 16 seconds to play in the period.
Bradley scored the first four points of the second half before ISU took its final lead of the game on Keith Fisher's first three-point make of his career, giving ISU the 39-38 lead. Bradley scored the next eight points to lead by seven, and the Redbirds would not get back within five the rest of the way.
Key Moment
Bradley's second-half-opening 12-3 run gave the host Braves the lead for good in the contest.
Inside the Box Score
- Horne scored 17 points, his seventh double-figure scoring game of the season, making a career-high-tying four three-point baskets with three rebounds and an assist.
- Fisher also scored 17 points, the seventh time this season he reached double-figures, while also pulling down a team-best seven rebounds. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line while also adding an assist.
- Copeland had his 17th double-digit scoring game of the season with 13 points while dishing out a game-high five assists and grabbing three rebounds.
- Dedric Boyd went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, scoring six points with two assists.
- Abdou Ndiaye blocked three shots with three rebounds and an assist in a reserve role.
Stat of the Game
Illinois State was out-scored 42-12 in the paint against the Braves, while seeing Bradley's bench outscore its own 10-5, the second straight game that the Redbird bench has been outscored.
What's Next
The Redbirds return home for the first of two consecutive home games, hosting the Southern Illinois Salukis in a 2 p.m. contest on Saturday, January 25.
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