The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team used a strong defensive effort to capture a road victory on Thursday night in Liberty, Mo. The Prairie Stars allowed just 53 points in the 11-point victory over William Jewell.
 
UIS held William Jewell to just 36.8 percent shooting from the field for the game. The Cardinals were also just 27.3 percent from three-point range, making six-of-22. The Prairie Stars defense was especially dominant in the first half when they jumped out to a 27-20 lead. William Jewell made just 25.9 percent of its shots in that half.
 
In the second half, William Jewell cut the lead to four early in the period. Chase Robinson made a three-point play, sparking a 12-2 run for the Prairie Stars. Another large run, this one a 7-0 one by UIS, put the game away with five minutes left on the clock.
 
UIS had a 41-34 advantage on the boards, and the Prairie Stars scored 44 points in the paint. Turnovers were nearly even, but the Prairie Stars took better advantage as they had a 16-7 edge in points off turnovers.
 
Chris Hamil came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points. James Kelley, Jack Weber, and Jesus Castillo all hit double-digit scoring as well. Weber finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, and he also led the team with five assists. Castillo had a pair of steals in the game.
 
UIS improves to 10-13 on the season and 5-10 in conference play. The Prairie Stars will travel to Truman State on Saturday afternoon.