![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2018/11/28214628/ISUvsBYU.jpg)
By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – Illinois State men’s basketball converted two free throws with just over two seconds left in regulation to tie the game and held off an overtime surge to defeat Brigham Young 92-89 on Wednesday night at Redbird Arena.
The Redbirds (6-2) trailed 40-31 at halftime as BYU (5-3) continued its advantage until a Josh Jefferson layup gave ISU its first lead with 4:33 remaining in regulation. The Birds tied the game with two seconds left on a pair of free throws by Zach Copeland.
Illinois State took its biggest lead of the game with 3:19 left in the extra session at 85-79, but BYU took one last lead at 89-88 with 1:04 remaining. The Redbirds made three of their last four free throws and a final three-point Cougars attempt fell short at the horn.
Phil Fayne led the Redbirds with 20 points and 10 rebounds. All five ISU starters scored in double figures as Milik Yarbrough added 19 points, Josh Jefferson 17, Keyshawn Evans 15 and Copeland 14. Yoeli Childs led BYU with 27 points and 16 rebounds with 22 points from T.J. Haws.
Illinois State hosts San Diego State at 2 p.m. Saturday on Doug Collins Court. Pre-game on AM 1230, 93.7 Nash Icon, WJBC.com and the TuneIn app begins at 1 p.m.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].