The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team struggled offensively on Monday night at TRAC, and it fell in its GLVC opener. The Prairie Stars dropped a 51-47 decision to McKendree.
 
UIS had a good defensive night, holding the Bearcats to 39.2 percent shooting from the field and just four-of-17 from three-point range. The Prairie Stars, however, shot under 30 percent, including five-of-20 from behind the three-point arc.
 
McKendree had six more turnovers in the game, as UIS had single-digits once again. The Bearcats had a 42-34 advantage on the boards.
 
UIS offense's issues were especially evident in the first half when the Prairie Stars shot under 20 percent. McKendree led 22-7 at the six-minute mark, before the Prairie Stars cut that to a 27-19 score by halftime.
 
In the second half, McKendree had another 15-point lead early in the half. A 13-2 run by the Prairie Stars got the home team back into the game. UIS eventually cut the lead to two on three different occasions, but couldn't tie or take the lead. Its last chance came with the score at 49-47 with 34 seconds left, but McKendree hit a pair of free throws for the final points of the night.
 
Jack Weber had team-highs of 10 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Chase Robinson had nine points, and Jordan Rice and Evan Altman each had eight. Altman also grabbed seven rebounds. Trey Marble and Robinson also had two assists, and Robinson led the team with two steals.
 
UIS falls to 2-4 on the season. The Prairie Stars are back in action on Thursday with a home game against Southern Indiana.