SPRINGFIELD – It was a new day and a new hero Saturday afternoon for the Illinois-Springfield men’s basketball team, as it was victorious over Northwood 80-79 in the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge.
With the final seconds ticking away sophomore Chigozie Umeadi made the front end of his two free throws and then stole the inbounds pass after NU called a timeout on the rebound of the second charity shot.
The Prairie Stars (2-0) and Timberwolves (0-2) could never separate themselves from each other, as UIS’ largest lead was five and NU’s was six. The teams also had 11 ties and the lead changed hands 25 times.
UIS had its largest lead of five with 12:24 left in the first period after senior Brandon Farmer had two of his seven points. However, the Timberwolves gained the advantage, but never got ahead by more than three in the half.
After the intermission, NU pushed its lead up to four, but again UIS fought back with a 7-0 run, which was topped off on Umeadi’s bunny. However, just as quick the Timberwolves went on a 13-4 run and took a six point lead with 12:57 left, which UIS quickly erased with a 7-0 swing.
In the final 1:30, the score was tied twice and also saw two lead changes. Cameron Joyce of NU hit a three for a two point Timberwolf lead, but Umeadi scored three of the five final points for UIS, which includes the game winning free throw with two seconds left.
For the game, Umeadi was one off from his career-high with 21 points, while also grabbing a team-best eight rebounds. Also for UIS, senior Ryan Thornton followed with 17, while senior Steffen Spinks and junior Lester Hart tacked on 11 each.
UIS was the only team from the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge to go unbeaten, as UMSL lost its match-up with Lake Superior State 74-71.
The Prairie Stars next action will be Monday against GLIAC foe Hillsdale beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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