Illinois State cruises to 81-72 win over Saint Joseph's (Dec 18, 2016)

By AP
Published

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) Paris Lee scored 24 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead Illinois State to an 81-72 win over Saint Joseph's on Sunday.

Deontae Hawkins added 21 points to go with eight rebounds, MiKyle McIntosh had 14 points and Phil Fayne 10 for Illinois State (6-3), which remains undefeated on its home court this season. Lee shot 8 for 11 from the field, hitting 4 of 6 from long range, and sank all four free throw attempts.

Illinois State led 41-27 at the break but had to hold off a Saint Joseph's surge in the second half that twice cut the deficit to five. The Redbirds responded with a 9-2 spurt that included 3-pointers from Hawkins and Lee to stretch the advantage to 57-45 with 8:47 left and hung on from there.

Shavar Newkirk led Saint Joseph's (5-5) with 21 points and Charlie Brown added 14.