Kentucky State University, men’s basketball, dropped their final non-conference game of the season to the University of Illinois-Springfield 81-69 on Saturday afternoon at the Exum Center.
The Thorobreds (3-8, 2-2) wrapped up their non-conference schedule by going 1-5 overall, with their lone win coming against Salem International University on Wednesday night. The Prairie Stars (7-3) have now won five of their last six games, dating back to Nov. 21.
“When you shoot 55 percent from the free throw line, and 29 percent from the three-point line you’re not going to win many games,” said head Jamaal Jackson. “But, our non-conference schedule has made us better to take on the rest of the SIAC. The combined record of our non-conference opponents is 23-21, and we believe playing these tough opponents is going to prepare us for later on in the year.”
KSU came out the gate with an early advantage at 11-0, as the half dwindled, so did the lead. With UIS trailing 30-21 with 4:40 on the clock, the visiting squad put together a 17-7 run to take a 38-37 lead into the half. The Thorobreds kept the game in check trailing 52-51 at the 12:47 mark, but a 12-4 run by the visitors built their lead back up to 64-55 as KSU played catch up through the duration of the contest.
Senior guard Michael Stevenson and junior forward Austin Sherrell each turned in strong performances, as both registered their first career double-doubles. Sherrell notched 15 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. Stevenson scored 10 points while whipping the backboards clean with a career-high 16 boards, including five offensive rebounds.
Entering today’s matchup senior guard Dorian Jordan was 31 points shy of 1,000 career points, with a team-high 20 point-performance, Jordan is now just 11 points shy of the scoring milestone.
KSU will be going on the road to take on Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia on Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm ET.
by Eric Mathews
