SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Behind an offensive outburst from sophomore Mark Weems (Chicago), the University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team defeated Trevecca Nazarene, 78-71, on Saturday afternoon at Trojan Arena.

UIS moves to 2-0 on the young season as it continues on the road for two more games. The Prairie Stars travel west to Missouri to play Lincoln on Monday at 7 p.m. before taking on MIAA foe Lindenwood on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.

Weems totaled a career-best 25 points, going 8-for-14 from the floor including two long balls and a 7-for-12 outing from the line. The sophomore guard also grabbed eight rebounds - just missing a double-double - and also dishing out three assists.

Joining Weems in double figures, senior Dylan Sparkman (East Peoria, Ill.) and junior Sammie Elem (Chicago) were both effective on the offense and defense. Elem tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Sparkman recorded 13 points and 12 rebounds. Seven of Elem's rebound were of the offensive nature, helping UIS to 19 second-chance points.

The home team came out firing, taking its largest lead of the game, 15-7, at the 16:37 mark on a trey from Christopher Elliott. A dunk from Elem started a 12-2  to give UIS a 19-17 advantage by the 10-minute mark.

The teams then traded baskets, tying the game for the final time at 25-all before Illinois Springfield jumped out front where it remained for the rest of the contest. The opening frame ended on an 11-8 run in the visitor's favor.

UIS held the hosts to just 29 percent shooting in the first half, while going 50 percent from the floor on 13-for-26 shooting.

In the second frame, UIS pushed its lead to as many as 19, 70-51, at the 6:51 mark on a pair of successful makes from Sparkman. However, Trevecca slowly chipped away at the lead, outscoring the Prairie Stars 20-8 in the final five minutes. Illinois Springfield's lead was just enough though and was aided by a final dunk from Elem with just three seconds left to ensure a second straight win for UIS.

For the game, UIS went 26-for-57 from the floor for a 45 percent clip, while the Trojans shot 34 percent on 25-for-73. The Prairie Stars made 20 free throws on 32 attempts as the hosts had 25 fouls.

The Prairie Stars owned a 47-44 edge on the glass, but Trevecca grabbed 19 offensive boards to UIS' 13.

Senior Kentrell King (Chicago) dished out seven of the Prairie Stars' 15 assists, while also corralling two steals. Juniors JJ Cravatta (Streator, Ill.) and Jamall Millison (Bolingbrook, Ill.) just missed double digits with eight points each.

For the Trojans, Jalen Palm and Matt Gamberoni tallied 14 points each, while Elliott and Jacob Williams recorded 11 a piece.

Live stats will be available for Monday's game. Check UISPrairieStars.com for more information.