SPRINGFIELD, IL --- Illinois Springfield (8-3) took a two-point lead into the half, but exploded for 60 points in the second half to take down Glenville State (0-10) by a final score of 93-69. Gilwan Nelson scored a career-high 24 points, hitting 6-of-7 from three to lead the Prairie Stars.

To start the contest, UIS jumped out to an early lead before Glenville State took their first lead at the 15:09 mark on a three to go up 11-10. The lead would only grow to three at 13-10 before the Stars went on a 15-2 run to take a 10-point advantage. However, Glenville State responded with a 14-2 run of their own to take a two-point lead with 4:31 remaining in the half.

A bucket from Eddie Longmeyer with 56 seconds left in the half gave UIS a two-point advantage at the break. The Prairie Stars shot just 42.9 percent in the first 20 minutes, which included an 0-for-7 mark from deep. UIS also accounted for just seven assists and eight turnovers.

The second half was a different story though, as UIS shot an incredible 68.0 percent from the field on 17-of-25 shooting. Of those 17 field goals, ten came from behind the arc and six came off the hands of Nelson. The Prairie Stars dished 11 assists in the second half and hit 10-of-14 from deep.

UIS ended the day shooting 54.7 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from deep, each marking a season-high. Not only was the offense on a different level, but the defense followed suit, racking up 14 steals on the day, tying the most in a game this season, though it was the most against a Division II team. This effort was led by Aundrae Williams, who had four steals to go along with seven points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Nelson led the way with 24 point, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals while Longmeyer added 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Logan Gonce had an efficient day, scoring a season-high 12 points on just four shots, hitting three and making 6-of-7 from the line while tallying four assists.

Zach Steinberg had his first double-digit rebound performance of the season, scoring eight points on 4-of-5 from the field and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.

With the win, the Prairie Stars move to 8-3, improving on their best start in the Division II era. UIS will conclude the calendar year on Monday with another home contest against Lincoln Christian for a 7 PM tip.