NORMAL — Illinois State's basketball team will look much different in next week's season opener than it did during an exhibition contest Tuesday night against Division II Lewis at Redbird Arena.
Phil Fayne looked in midseason form with 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Redbirds pulled away in the second half to take an 80-58 victory over Lewis.
Newcomers Josh Jefferson (15 points) and freshman Rey Idowu (eight points, eight rebounds) were impressive in their debuts along with Zach Copeland (11 points, four assists) and Matt Chastain (eight points, seven rebounds).
Two Redbird starters, Keyshawn Evans (sore foot) and Milik Yarbrough, didn't play.