The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team jumped out to an early lead on Thursday night at TRAC and defeated Missouri S&T by an 80-58 score.
 
Aundrae Williams set the tone scoring in the paint just 11 seconds into the game, and eventually recording 10 points inside the lane in the first five minutes. UIS continued to get the ball to the rim in the first half, scoring 36 of its 48 first-half points in the paint. The Prairie Stars led by as many as 23 and had a 48-30 advantage at halftime.
 
In the second half, UIS extended its lead to 30 just over seven minutes into the half, and all 13 players that were dressed for the Prairie Stars received playing time.
 
UIS finished the game shooting 52.7 percent from the field, including 60 percent in the first half. The Prairie Stars won the rebounding battle 49-28. They finished with a 42-22 edge in points in the paint, and a 12-6 advantage in fast-break points.
 
Daniel Soetan led the Prairie Stars with 16 points, followed by Cole Harper with 13, and Gilwan Nelson and Williams with 12. Harper had a double-double in less than 19 minutes after also having 12 rebounds, and he had three blocks. Peyton Allen had a team-high four assists.
 
UIS improves to 11-5 overall and 4-2 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars will host Drury on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.