By Austin Duncan
NORMAL- Illinois State senior guard Devaughn Akoon-Purcell picked up where he left off last season, scoring 25 points in ISU’s 88-81 victory over Southern Indiana in the Redbirds lone exhibition game Sunday at Redbird Arena.
The Redbirds won the opening tip and it was a back and forth affair throughout the first half. Throughout the game, there were seven lead changes and seven times where the game was tied.
This was ISU’s first experience with the new 30 second shot clock, as 141 shots were put up between the two teams.
The Redbirds started an unlikely veteran lineup as juniors forward Nick Banyard and Tony Wills, sophomore Mikyle McIntosh, and seniors guard Justin McCloud, Akoon-Purcell all began the game for the ‘Birds.
Akoon-Purcell led all scorers 25 points on 15 shots, and added five rebounds and four steals in 22 minutes of action. Wills added 12 points and four boards. Junior guard Paris Lee added 14 points on 10 shots off the bench while collecting 6 steals.
The Redbirds had to fill the void of Reggie Lynch, who transferred to Minnesota at the conclusion of last season. They looked to Banyard, freshman forward David Ndiaye, and senior forward Quintin Brewer. They collectively had 24 rebounds, 14 of which belonged to Banyard, and 10 point total.
ISU’s defense was a key to this victory as they had 17 steals and four blocks.
All scholarship Redbirds saw a minimum of seven minutes with the exception of sophomore forward Deontae Hawkins, who was serving a one game suspension for a issue that occurred over the summer.
Southern Indiana was led in scoring by George Edwards’ 21 points. Peoria native BoBo Drummond collected 14 points.
The Redbirds begin their season on Friday as they travel to San Diego State to play the Aztecs. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT, Redbird Preview will begin at 8:00 p.m. All coverage can be heard on AM1230 or WJBC.com
Listen to postgame interviews with head coach Dan Muller and junior forward Nick Banyard here.
