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ISU
falls behind early, unable to rebound
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[FEB.
7, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missouri
State used a 31-10 rebounding edge in the first half to build an
early lead, and the Bears maintained the advantage by posting a
73-61 Missouri Valley Conference victory over Illinois State at the
Hammons Student Center on Tuesday night.
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With the loss, Illinois State falls to 12-13 on the season and 4-10
in conference play. Missouri State improved to 18-7 overall and 9-5
in the league.
Inside baskets by Greg Dilligard and Levi Dyer closed the ISU gap
to 49-42 with 10:58 on the clock, but Missouri State responded with
eight straight points to extend the lead to 57-42 with 8:44 left in
the game. Thanks to three triples by Osiris Eldridge and another by
Dyer, the Redbirds cut the lead to 69-59 at the 2:13 mark.
To open the game, Missouri State began with a 7-0 run that
included a pair of baskets by Nathan Bilyeu. The Redbirds countered
with a 14-4 run, including eight points by Dyer, to take a 14-11
lead with 11:21 left in the half. Even though the Bears went an
eight-minute stretch without a field goal, the Redbirds weren't able
to capitalize, as Missouri State converted four free throws and took
a 15-14 lead.
[to top of second column]
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MSU used an 18-9 run over the next six minutes and held a 33-23
lead with 2:35 on the clock, only to extend the lead to 37-25 at the
half. ISU held the Bears to 39 percent shooting in the first 20
minutes but was outrebounded 31-10 in first period, including 15-0
on offensive boards.
The Redbirds were led in scoring by Dyer's 17 points, while Boo
Richardson tossed in 12 and Eldridge added 11. Blake Ahearn paced
the Bears with 20 points.
Illinois State will play its second of three straight road game
on Sunday, when the Redbirds travel to Wichita State. Game time is
2:05 p.m.
(Box
score)
(Text from file received from Todd Kober,
assistant athletics director, media relations,
Illinois
State University)
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