By Austin Duncan
CANCUN, Mexico- Illinois State freshman guard Roland Griffin hit two of the team’s three three-pointers in a 71-60 loss to Texas Christian in the final installment of the Cancun Challenge.
The Redbirds took the lead early in the first half at 5-2 but it was all TCU from there, leading 32-23 at halftime.
TCU led by as many as 15 points in the second half before ISU senior forward Devaughn Akoon-Purcell hit a shot while being fouled to cut the defect to nine with 3:02 to play.
The next possession, the Redbird defense held tough as the seconds ticked off of shot clock. As time expired, TCU’s Brandon Parrish hit a three to put the Horned Frogs on top by double digits for the remainder of the game.
Illinois State was led by junior guard Paris Lee’s 16 points. Akoon-Purcell and Griffin added 14 and 11 points respectively.
Sophomore forward MiKyle McIntosh collected seven points and a team high nine rebounds. McIntosh fouled out with 4:07 remaining in the game. ISU shot over 36 percent from the floor.
TCU shot just under 51 percent from the field, led by Malique Trent’s 19 points. Vlad Brodziansky added 16 points and nine rebounds. Karviar Shepherd collected 15 points.
The Redbirds have struggled rebounding throughout the season, but were just outrebounded by one at 34-33.
ISU falls to 2-4 on the season, and finishes the Cancun Challenge 1-3 with losses to South Dakota State at Redbird Arena, No. 2 Maryland and TCU in Cancun.
This marks the Redbirds’ second loss by the score of 71-60 on the season, the first being the season opener at San Diego State.
Big 12 opponent TCU improves to 3-2 on the season and 2-2 in the Cancun Challenge.
Illinois State has a quick turnaround yet again. The Redbirds host Division II opponent Quincy at 2 p.m. on Friday at Redbird Arena. Redbird Preview will begin at 1 p.m.
Postgame comments from head coach Dan Muller can be found here.
