Strong second half propels Redbirds over UNI

William Tinsley hit six three-pointers as Illinois State held off UNI 79-75. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – Illinois State men’s basketball overcame an 11-point halftime deficit with hot outside shooting for a 79-75 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday evening on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.

Illinois State trailed 37-26 at the intermission but more than doubled their scoring in the second half by outscoring the Panthers 53-38 in the second half. The Redbirds were 15-of-22 from the field for 68 percent in the second half and shot 51 percent for the game.

Milik Yarbrough led the Redbirds with 25 points. WIlliam Tinsley added 18 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting. Keyshawn Evans contributed 10 points.

UNI (13-15, 5-11 Missouri Valley) was led by Klint Carlson with 20 points, Spencer Haldeman with 16 and Tywhon Pickford with 14.

Illinois State (15-13, 9-7) hosts Drake in the home finale on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

PODCAST: Listen here to the post-game interview with Redbird coach Dan Muller and guard Keyshawn Evans. 

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected]

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