The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team built a big first-half lead on Wednesday night at TRAC, and then was able to hold on down the stretch for a 90-76 win over Missouri Western. With the victory, UIS improved to 7-1 in non-conference play this season, marking its best non-conference record since joining the NCAA.
 
UIS jumped out to a 49-30 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Prairie Stars shot 53.1 percent in the first half and made nine-of-15 three-pointers. Defensively, they held Missouri Western to just 32.4 percent shooting.
 
Missouri Western slowly got back into the game in the second half, eventually getting as close as 64-58 with 9:45 remaining. A 7-1 run, which included a big three-pointer by Aundrae Williams, gave the Prairie Stars a little breathing room, and UIS never allowed Missouri Western to get closer than nine points the rest of the way.
 
UIS finished the game shooting 47.3 percent from the field, and made 12-of-24 three-pointers. It also turned the ball over just seven times. Missouri Western finished with 38.7 percent shooting from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range. UIS made 26-of-37 free throws, while Missouri Western made just seven-of-13.
 
Five players finished in double-figure scoring, led by Daniel Soetan. Soetan had a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. He drew 12 fouls in the contest, and made 11-of-16 free throws. Chase Robinson had 23 points and had a team-high +23 plus/minus. Jesus Castillo made five-of-six three-pointers for his 15 points, and Keymonta Johnson and Williams each had 10 points and a taem-high three rebounds.
 
UIS improves to 7-2 overall on the season. The Prairie Stars are now off until Jan. 2 when they face No. 1 Bellarmine in Louisville, Ky.