Redbirds hang tough, fall to No. 2 Maryland

Posted on November 24, 2015
Cancun Challenge
Freshman guard Keyshawn Evans scored two points in the Redbirds loss to Maryland. (Photo credit: John Twork)

 

By Austin Duncan

CANCUN, Mexico- The Illinois State Redbirds men’s basketball team led by five points midway through the second half, but could not hold on, falling to No. 2 Maryland  77-66 in the Cancun Challenge.

In a back and forth affair, neither team could gain an advantage in the first half as Maryland lead by just one at the half, 31-30. The Redbirds weathered several storms from UMD, including a 10-2 run to start the game.

The tango continued into the second half as both teams traded baskets and the lead throughout the half, before Maryland pulled away in the final minutes of the game.

Sophomore forward MiKyle McIntosh led a balanced scoring effort for the Redbirds collecting a team high 17 points. Junior guard Paris Lee, and sophomore forward Deontae Hawkins added 15 and 12 points respectively. Senior forward Devaughn Akoon-Purcell added 11 points. Hawkins collected a team high six rebounds.

McIntosh has been plagued by foul trouble this season, but played a season high 27 minutes.

Maryland was led but Rasheed Sulaimon’s 18 points. The Terrapins had five players in double figures including Sulaimon. Guard Melo Trimble scored 15, Damonte Dodd added 13, Jake Leyman had 12, and Robert Carter scored 11.

The Redbirds fall to 2-3 on the season while Maryland improves to 4-0.

Illinois State concludes the Cancun Challenge Wednesday against Big 12 foe Texas Christian University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Redbird Preview will begin at 4 p.m.

Listen to postgame interviews with head coach Dan Muller and MiKyle McIntosh here.

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