UIS initiated the opening half by establishing an effective offense, highlighted by an initial 6-0 run. Tye Banks and Alex Stell contributed key points in the paint, with Stell recording multiple defensive rebounds to maintain momentum. By mid-half, Jordan Rice and Marlon Williams added crucial assists and baskets, pushing ahead to a 23-13 lead.
The home team capitalized on turnovers, with Adidas Davis and Colin Schuler making impactful steals that led to scoring opportunities. The Prairie Stars’ bench added 10 points, contributing to a consistent scoring effort. The half ended with the Prairie Stars leading 38-24, maintaining a strong advantage going into the break.
The second half began with a strong defensive play as Rice blocked a layup attempt, which set the tone for the Prairie Stars’ performance. Despite some turnovers, Rice’s assist to Banks for a layup at 17:49 helped maintain an edge. Britton Dutton’s back-to-back free throws and a subsequent dunk by Davis at 12:00 bolstered the home team’s position, putting them ahead 48-44.
The Prairie Stars extended their lead with Dutton’s three-pointer at the 11:14 mark, igniting a key run. Lewis answered by tying the game multiple times down the stretch, keeping it a back-and-forth battle. With 1:31 remaining, Isaiah Davis delivered the dagger, drilling a three-pointer to push UIS ahead by five and put the game on ice. The Prairie Stars secured the 63-58 victory despite being outscored 34-25 in the second half.
Dutton scored 15 points, converting 5 of 12 field goal attempts. Rice contributed with 8 assists and added 8 points. Stell recorded a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Adidas Davis made an impact on defense with 2 steals and added 4 points.
Illinois Springfield is 16-9 overall and 12-5 in GLVC play, while Lewis holds a record of 4-21 overall and 2-15 in the conference. The Prairie Stars have already clinched a spot in the upcoming GLVC Tournament and now turn their focus to positioning down the stretch.
“Credit to our guys late in the second half,” Coach Brock said. “Lewis did a terrific job after halftime, and we got out of our flow and rhythm. I thought our guys made big plays late to get the win. It wasn’t a thing of beauty, but you take it any way you can get it in February.”
Up Next
The Senior Day game against Upper Iowa is slated for 3:00 p.m. at TRAC.
