The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team fell to NCAA Division I Illinois State on Friday afternoon in Normal, Ill. by a 76-57 score. The game was an exhibition contest for the Prairie Stars, as they tuned up for their GLVC opener next Tuesday.
 
UIS was competitive with the Redbirds for the majority of the game. The Prairie Stars had a cold day shooting though which cost them a chance for the upset.
 
The Prairie Stars led at the second media timeout by a 15-13 margin, but an 11-2 run by Illinois State gave it the lead for good, and helped the team lead 34-27 at halftime.
 
UIS went on an 8-0 run early in the second half, which cut its deficit to 36-35, but Illinois State responded with its own 8-0 spurt that put the lead back at nine. UIS was still within seven points with 8:39 remaining, but the Redbirds were finally able to pull away for good by outscoring the Prairie Stars 23-11 the rest of the game.
 
The Prairie Stars finished the game shooting 33.3 percent from the field, and just 15.4 percent from three-point range. UIS's defense held Illinois State to 18.8 percent shooting from three-point range, but the Redbirds made 54.2 percent of their two-point attempts. Both teams were hot from the free-throw line, with UIS making 15-of-16, and Illinois State making all 15 it attempted.
 
Illinois State had a 42-31 rebounding margin, and had four fewer turnovers. The Redbirds had a 24-7 advantage in points off turnovers, and a 12-7 lead in second-chance points.
 
UIS was led by Matt Wendling with 15 points. He made five-of-ten from the field, and two three-pointers. He was also one of three players with a team-high five rebounds. Collin Stallworth came off the bench to score 10 points, making four-of-five from the field, and he also had five rebounds. Soetan had eight points, five rebounds, and had team-highs with two assists, two blocks, and two steals. Keymonta Johnson finished with eight points.
 
UIS, which is currently 5-1 on the season, will starts its GLVC campaign on Tuesday night at Lewis.