By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – Illinois State’s men’s and women’s basketball squads had to scramble but pulled out victories on Sunday afternoon on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena, as the men defeated Cleveland State 88-77 in overtime followed by a 61-52 victory over Maryville in the women’s game.
The Redbird men led 38-33 at halftime, but Cleveland State surged to a seven-point lead with more than seven minutes to play in regulation. Both teams converted two free throws in the final four seconds with the pair by Phil Fayne sending the contest to overtime. ISU outscored the Vikings 13-2 in the extra session.
Illinois State (7-5) was led by Fayne’s career-high 30 points followed by 21 points from Milik Yarbrough and 12 from Zach Copeland. Cleveland State (4-8) was paced by 25 points from Rashad Williams, 21 from Tyree Appleby and Stefan Kenic with 14 points.
In the women’s game, Maryville led 16-12 after one quarter but Illinois State recovered for a 33-26 lead at the intermission. The third quarter was played on even terms but the Redbirds pulled away for the nine-point win, which was the game’s largest margin.
Illinois State (5-4) received 21 points and 13 rebounds from Simone Goods while TeTe Maggett chipped in 15 points. Maryville (5-3) was led by Stephanie Sherwood with 12 points, Mary Barton with 11 and Kayla Steward with 10 points.
The Redbird women host St. Louis on Thursday for and Education Day tipoff at 11 a.m. The Redbird men visit Central Florida Friday for a 6 p.m. Central tip.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].
