Horton Field House | Illinois State University Athletics
Horton Field House | Illinois State University Athletics
Despite a balanced scoring effort, the Illinois State men's basketball team fell short against McNeese Cowboys in the opening day of the 2024 Paradise Jam. The game ended with a score of 76-68 in favor of McNeese.
Illinois State had six players reach double figures, marking the first time since December 2, 2020, that so many players scored in double digits for the team. Ty Pence led with 14 points and six rebounds. Malachi Poindexter added 13 points, while Landon Wolf contributed 11. Dalton Banks, Johnny Kinziger, and Chase Walker each scored ten points.
McNeese started strong and maintained their lead for most of the game. They were ahead by seven at halftime after an early exchange of leads between both teams. Despite trailing by as much as 15 points during the second half, Illinois State managed to close the gap to six before McNeese sealed their victory with two free throws.
The Redbirds made 44 percent of their shots from the field and converted on over 42 percent from beyond the arc. McNeese's Javohn Garcia scored a game-high of 16 points.
Illinois State will face UAB Blazers next in the tournament's second round.
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