NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State senior Zach Copeland scored 24 points, making 5-of-7 shots from long range, while Jaycee Hillsman added 11; however, the Redbirds fell to the Southern Illinois Salukis by a 58-55 final score.
How it Happened
Southern Illinois came out firing, as Lance Jones scored the first seven points of the contest before the Redbirds ran off 10 consecutive points to take a three-point lead on back-to-back Copeland lay-ups. The Salukis briefly re-took the lead; however, a first-half-ending 8-0 run turned a two-point deficit into a 23-17 lead at halftime.
A DJ Horne three-pointer opened the scoring in the first half for ISU, and a three-pointer by Copeland put the Redbirds ahead 29-19. Southern Illinois followed with a 7-0 run, which was snapped by back-to-back three-pointers from Copeland and Hillsman. After a 6-0 run from the Salukis put the margin at one, neither team would lead by more than four points. Tied at 54 following a Copeland shot from distance, a Marcus Domask jumper put the visitors ahead for good in the 58-55 loss.
Key Moment
Southern Illinois forward Domask made two three-pointers over three possessions to turn a tie score into a four-point SIU lead with just under two minutes to play in the game.
Inside the Box Score
- Copeland's 24 points were his fourth game the season scoring at least 20 points, and the second-highest scoring effort of his career.
- Over his last four games, Copeland has made 20-of-37 (54.1%) of his three-point attempts, averaging 21.5 points per game over that span.
- Copeland also led Illinois State with three assists and tied for the team lead with six rebounds.
- Hillsman scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and 2-of-4 from long range.
- It was his seventh double-figure scoring game of the season.
- Hillsman also pulled down six rebounds, tied for best on the team.
- Keith Fisher III scored four points with six rebounds and two assists.
Stat of the Game
Illinois State's 17 first half points allowed is the lowest since the team gave up 15 first-half points to Bradley on Feb. 11, 2017.
What's Next
Illinois State hosts Evansville on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in a 7 p.m. tip-off at Redbird Arena.
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