By Austin Duncan
San Diego, Calif.- Freshman guard Roland Griffin scored 13 points in his first game as a Redbird, which was not enough as Illinois State dropped its season opener 71-60 at San Diego State.
Griffin’s 13 points were the most by any Redbird while senior guard Devaughn Akoon-Purcell and junior guard Paris Lee added 10 apiece. Griffin was 3-3 from the three point line, shooting 50 percent from the field.
San Diego State led for 38 minutes throughout the game, while the Redbirds led for just 1:04 , early in the contest.
The Aztecs were led in scoring by Jeremy Hemsley scored a game high 20 points on 8-13 shooting. The only other Aztec in double figures was Dakarai Allen who added 16 points.
Defensively, the Redbirds were paced by the rebounding efforts of seniors Quintin Brewer and Justin McCloud who had six and seven rebounds respectively.
All 11 scholarship players eligible to play this season played for the Redbirds. Lee played 32 minutes while Griffin played 31 minutes. Many minutes were hindered by foul trouble. Lee, Brewer, MiKyle McIntosh, and Deontae Hawkins all had fouls. Nick Banyard, Tony Wills, and Roland Griffin had three fouls each. There were 52 total fouls called in the game.
The team scored 20 baskets on 11 assists while shooting 30.8 percent from the field.
The Redbirds return to action Monday night as they host Morehead State at Redbird Arena for their home opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Redbird preview will begin at 6 p.m. on WJBC AM 1230 and WJBC.com.
Hear postgame comments from head coach Dan Muller and junior guard Paris Lee here.
