Box Score EVANSTON, IL --- The Prairie Stars unofficially opened their season with an exhibition game against Big Ten opponent Northwestern, falling 89-52. This was the second consecutive season in which the Prairie Stars opened the year with an exhibition against a Big Ten opponent.  

The Prairie Stars came out firing, jumping out to a quick 6-2 lead, thanks in part to two quick baskets by Zach Steinberg. However, Northwestern came back with a 20-2 run to take a commanding 22-8 lead with 12:05 remaining in the half. UIS ended the half down 53-27 to the Wildcats, shooting just 26.7 percent from the field and missing all 11 of their three point attempts.

In the second half, the Prairie Stars hit 4-of-14 from deep as they found their stride on the offensive half of the court. On the boards, UIS grabbed 36 rebounds to the Wildcats 42 but grabbed four more offensive rebounds, totaling 15 on the night.

UIS was led by Zach Steinberg on the night, as the sophomore big tallied 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, blocking two shots and grabbing one steal. Eddie Longmeyer, in his first game as a Prairie Star, scored ten points and dished four assists. Lijah Donnelly also reached double-figures, scoring ten in his debut and grabbed three boards.

UIS will have a week off before they travel to Peoria, Illinois to take on Bradley University for their final tune-up for the season. The game will serve as the season opener for Bradley but will be the second and final exhibition for the Prairie Stars before the regular season begins on Monday, November 14^th against Illinois College.