Redbirds fight Flames to finish, falling 60-56

[DEC. 1, 2004]  NORMAL -- Lorenzo Gordon scored in double figures for the fourth consecutive game, but Illinois State could not contain a hot-shooting Illinois-Chicago squad, as the Redbirds dropped a heartbreaker 60-56 Tuesday night at Redbird Arena.

The Redbirds held all-everything Flame Cedric Banks to only two points on 1-of-8 shooting, but UIC shot a blistering 51 percent from the field. Illinois State did not get the friendly rolls from the rim that they have grown accustomed to this season, as they shot only 39 percent from the field, marking only the second time this season Illinois State has shot under 45 percent.

In the first half, Illinois State (4-2) jumped out to a brief 4-2 lead following a Vince Greene 3, but UIC (2-2) would counter with a 9-0 run to take a 11-4 lead, a lead which they would not give up during the first half. Seven was the biggest advantage of the half for the Flames, as they answered every time the 'Birds would make some noise. In addition, UIC got 10 points off 10 first-half Redbird turnovers.

Despite playing only 11 minutes, Gordon led the Redbirds with seven points in the first frame. Justin Bowen paced UIC with 10 in the first half and led three Flames in double figures for the game with 14 points.

In the second half, UIC quickly jumped out to a nine-point lead, its biggest of the game, before Illinois State went on a 8-0 run capped by a thunderous Greg Dilligard dunk, making the score 34-37 at the 17:20 mark.

The Flames held a 49-56 lead with 2:50 to go in the game before the 'Birds staged their final rally. Neil Plank and Greene would each tally three points, with Greene tying the game at 56 on a free throw with :56 left on the clock.

After the Flames took a timeout, Greene missed the second free throw, leaving the game tied at 56 and ending his school-record streak of consecutive free throws made at 57, just three shy of the Missouri Valley record.

With :19 left in the game, Jovan Stefanov scored on a driving layup to give UIC a 58-56 advantage. Illinois State would turn the ball over on their next possession, and after adding two free throws from Elliott Poole, the Flames wrapped up the 60-56 victory.

Illinois State is next in action on Saturday, as they host a much-anticipated matchup with St. John's of the Big East Conference. Game time is set for 7:05 Saturday night at Redbird Arena.

Note: Illinois State's Vince Greene extended his school record streak to 57 consecutive free throws before missing with :56 left in the game. His streak is the second-longest all-time in Missouri Valley history, three behind the all-time record.

[Todd Kober, assistant athletics director, media relations,
Illinois State University]

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