Illinois Springfield fell 95-77 to Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday evening. Despite a career night from Jordan Rice, the Prairie Stars were unable to overcome the Rangers' advantage at the free-throw line, where the home team finished 27-for-30.

UIS opened strong with a layup from Donaven Younger and a three-pointer by Rice to take a 5-0 lead. Parkside responded with a 7-0 run and later used back-to-back threes to seize momentum. The Prairie Stars cut into the deficit late in the half with baskets from Rice, but Parkside carried a 46-37 lead into the break.

Rice continued to pace the UIS offense in the second half, scoring from all levels and knocking down a three to keep the Stars within striking distance. Britton Dutton added a transition layup early in the half, and Alex Stell and Isaiah Davis provided steady production. However, Parkside maintained control behind consistent scoring from its backcourt and efficiency at the line. UIS totaled 40 points in the second half but couldn't slow the Rangers' offense down the stretch. 

Rice finished with a career-best 30 points, including four three-pointers, along with three assists and two steals. Dutton scored 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting while adding four rebounds. Stell contributed nine points, eight rebounds and a block, and Davis added 10 points and three boards.

"Parkside was very good tonight," said head coach Matt Brock. "They played very well and shot it in. Credit to them. We did not defend at the level we need to and will have to continue to grow on that end of the court."

Up Next
The Prairie Stars host Judson on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in their home opener.