Powered by 19 points each from Alex Stell and Isaiah Davis, the UIS men's basketball team earned an 86-76 road win at Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday. The result was the first for UIS over the Tritons since 2022 and the first in St. Louis since 2018. The victory also marked Head Coach Matt Brock's first win at UMSL.
UIS and UMSL traded early baskets through five lead changes before the Prairie Stars settled in behind efficient shooting. Tye Banks and Isaiah Davis hit key shots to help UIS maintain the advantage. The Prairie Stars finished the opening half hitting 16 of 25 shots—including 6 of 9 from three—with Davis knocking down a triple with six seconds left to give UIS a 43-36 halftime lead.
The second half opened strong for UIS, highlighted by an assist from Alex Stell to Banks, a dunk by Donaven Younger, and a three-pointer from Davis, giving UIS a six-point lead despite UMSL hitting back-to-back threes. UIS continued to build momentum as Jordan Rice converted two free throws following a steal, pushing the lead to 10 points with 14:08 to play.
UIS maintained control by managing the clock and executing key defensive stops. Banks and Davis added crucial points in the paint, and a three-pointer from Davis at 3:56 pushed the lead to 11. Stell grabbed three rebounds and made a free throw in the final minutes to wrap up a statement performance. UIS closed the game on top, 86-76.
Alex Stell delivered a standout effort with a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night. Davis matched him with 19 points and six rebounds, hitting five of six three-pointers. Rice added 13 points and six assists, while Banks contributed 14 points and four rebounds.
"Terrific effort and toughness from our men tonight!" said head coach Matt Brock. "We guarded and rebounded at a high level and shared the ball very well on offense. Road wins are gold in this league!"
UIS improves to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in GLVC play, while UMSL falls to 4-3 and 0-1 in conference competition.
Up Next
UIS opens a three-game GLVC homestand on Monday night against William Jewell, followed by McKendree on Thursday and Maryville on Saturday afternoon.
