ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Illinois State Redbirds led for over 32 minutes against Cincinnati on Friday evening, but could not overcome a late Bearcat run, falling 66-65 in the opening round of the 2019 Paradise Jam.
How it Happened
Cincinnati and Illinois State traded baskets for the first five minutes of the game, as Cincinnati led 9-7 with 15:26 to play. Illinois State ran off seven straight points to lead by five at 14-9 and didn't trail again until the final minute of the contest. The first-half margin reached as big as seven with 4:07 to play, as the 'Birds took a 33-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.