Five University of Illinois-Springfield players reached double figures in scoring to lead the Prairie Stars to an 82-71 non-conference men’s basketball victory over Arkansas Tech University at Warrensburg, Mo., on Friday afternoon.
There were 11 ties in the game. The 12th and final lead change of the day occurred when Illinois-Springfield (2-1) went on a 7-0 run over a span of less than two minutes to secure a 73-66 advantage with 3:55 remaining.
The Prairie Stars put it away by holding Arkansas Tech (1-2) scoreless over the final 1:55 and by making seven of their final eight free throw attempts.
Foul trouble compelled the Prairie Stars to switch to a 2-3 zone defense in the second half. The Wonder Boys were unable to take advantage, connecting on 4-of-19 (21 percent) shots from beyond the arc during the final 20 minutes.
“We were not as aggressive as we should have been,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach, when reflecting upon his team’s execution against the UIS zone. “We got some good looks from the guys we need to shoot the ball. Our defense is what was most disappointing. We talk to our guys about the fact that when the shots are not going in, we have to do something else to stay in the game…we have to get stops and rebound.”
The Prairie Stars shot 63 percent from the field during the opening period and built a 45-40 lead at halftime.
Freddy Lee kept the Wonder Boys close in the first half. He eclipsed his previous career high of 19 points during the first 20 minutes alone, pouring in 21 points before the intermission. Lee finished with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds.
R.J. Glasper added 17 points for Arkansas Tech, which finished with a 21-6 edge in points off turnovers and a 35-31 rebounding edge.
Texas A&M University transfer Peyton Allen paced the Prairie Stars with 22 points. Vince Walker added 15 points, Aundrae Williams netted 14 points, Gilwan Nelson contributed 12 points and Daniel Soetan chipped in 11 points for Illinois-Springfield.
The Wonder Boys will remain in Warrensburg to face William Jewell College for a 2 p.m. contest on Saturday, Nov. 17. Radio station KCAB 97.1 FM/980 AM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
