CONWAY, S.C. — Illinois State had to juggle its starting lineup, so Redbirds coach Dan Muller started out in a 2-3 zone Thursday against South Carolina in a Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic at Myrtle Beach first-round game.
ISU was active in the zone and held the Gamecocks to 29.5 percent field goal shooting. Milik Yarbrough scored 18 points, while Phil Fayne contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Redbirds upset the Gamecocks, 69-65, before a crowd of 700 at HTC Center.
After a lackluster defensive effort in a 98-87 season-opening loss to Florida Gulf Coast last Saturday, ISU showed a different level of intensity and never trailed.