Illinois Springfield men's basketball (13-6, 9-2 GLVC) secured an 85-76 victory over Lincoln (8-12, 2-10 GLVC) on Thursday night at TRAC. UIS made 10 three-pointers, contributing significantly to their win.
The game commenced with a strong start from UIS, as Isaiah Davis hit a three-pointer at 19:07 to initiate the scoring. Shortly thereafter, Britton Dutton added a layup, assisted by Alex Stell, to establish an early lead. The home team capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, with Jordan Rice contributing significantly, including a layup at 8:24, which helped secure their momentum. The Prairie Stars maintained their dominance through effective shooting and defense, highlighted by Davis's two late three-pointers at 2:17 and 1:46. By the end of the first half, the Prairie Stars held a commanding 45–28 lead over Lincoln.
Illinois Springfield held on to their advantage in the second half, overcoming a strong challenge from Lincoln. A pivotal moment came with 2:13 remaining when Dutton hit a three-pointer, assisted by Rice, to regain the lead at 74-73. The Prairie Stars capitalized on their free throw opportunities late in the half, with Rice and Colin Schuler converting crucial attempts to extend their edge.
Despite Lincoln's attempts to close the gap, the Prairie Stars maintained their composure, securing the game with a fastbreak dunk by Davis at the nine-second mark. The game concluded with the Prairie Stars victorious over Lincoln, 85-76.
Rice scored 27 points, making 11 of 17 free throws and adding four assists. Davis collected nine rebounds and scored 13 points, including three threes. Tye Banks finished with 14 points and converted five field goals. Schuler posted six rebounds, contributing five points and one steal.
"Terrific first half for our guys," head coach Matt Brock said. "We defended at a high level and forced 10 turnovers. Credit to Lincoln for showing a lot of life in the second, we had no answer for Oraegbu. When they took the lead, we didn't panic, we got enough stops and rebounds to survive. Jordan made some very big plays late."
Illinois Springfield improved to 13-6 overall and 9-2 in GLVC play, sitting atop the conference standings. Lincoln holds an 8-12 overall record with a 2-10 mark in the GLVC.
Up Next
UIS prepares for Saturday's 3:00 p.m. home game against Missouri-St. Louis, a GLVC opponent the Prairie Stars defeated on the road in November.
The game commenced with a strong start from UIS, as Isaiah Davis hit a three-pointer at 19:07 to initiate the scoring. Shortly thereafter, Britton Dutton added a layup, assisted by Alex Stell, to establish an early lead. The home team capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, with Jordan Rice contributing significantly, including a layup at 8:24, which helped secure their momentum. The Prairie Stars maintained their dominance through effective shooting and defense, highlighted by Davis's two late three-pointers at 2:17 and 1:46. By the end of the first half, the Prairie Stars held a commanding 45–28 lead over Lincoln.
Illinois Springfield held on to their advantage in the second half, overcoming a strong challenge from Lincoln. A pivotal moment came with 2:13 remaining when Dutton hit a three-pointer, assisted by Rice, to regain the lead at 74-73. The Prairie Stars capitalized on their free throw opportunities late in the half, with Rice and Colin Schuler converting crucial attempts to extend their edge.
Despite Lincoln's attempts to close the gap, the Prairie Stars maintained their composure, securing the game with a fastbreak dunk by Davis at the nine-second mark. The game concluded with the Prairie Stars victorious over Lincoln, 85-76.
Rice scored 27 points, making 11 of 17 free throws and adding four assists. Davis collected nine rebounds and scored 13 points, including three threes. Tye Banks finished with 14 points and converted five field goals. Schuler posted six rebounds, contributing five points and one steal.
"Terrific first half for our guys," head coach Matt Brock said. "We defended at a high level and forced 10 turnovers. Credit to Lincoln for showing a lot of life in the second, we had no answer for Oraegbu. When they took the lead, we didn't panic, we got enough stops and rebounds to survive. Jordan made some very big plays late."
Illinois Springfield improved to 13-6 overall and 9-2 in GLVC play, sitting atop the conference standings. Lincoln holds an 8-12 overall record with a 2-10 mark in the GLVC.
Up Next
UIS prepares for Saturday's 3:00 p.m. home game against Missouri-St. Louis, a GLVC opponent the Prairie Stars defeated on the road in November.