ISU Sycamores run away from Panthers, 71-56

Charleston, IL (12-6-2003) - The Indiana State University men’s basketball team evened its record at 2-2 on Saturday (Dec. 6) after posting a 71-56 win over Eastern Illinois. Three Sycamores finished in double figures as ISU shot a season-high 51.1 percent (23-of-46) from the floor.

Sophomore David Moss (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) led all scorers with 23 points. Moss scored ISU’s first twelve points, and pushed the Sycamores out to an early 12-4 lead, just six minutes into the game. Following a tip-in from EIU's David Roos, the Sycamores scored on consecutive baskets from Wilfred Antoine (New Orleans, La./Coffeyville JC), Amani Daanish (Los Angeles, Calif./Cowley CC), and a three-point shot from Eric Gray (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) to stake a 19-6 advantage midway through the half.

The Sycamores carried a 16-point advantage (37-21) into halftime and never looked back. ISU enjoyed a 21-point lead on two occasions before claiming the 15-point victory.

Senior Marcus Howard (Elgin, Ill.) scored 12 points for ISU and recorded a game-high four assists, while Gray added a season-high ten points. Sophomore Darron Evans (Chicago, Ill./Providence St. Mel HS) paced the Trees with six rebounds. The Sycamores’ bench provided a boost, as they outscored the Panthers’ bench 28-19.

Eastern Illinois (0-4) was led by David Roos, who finished with 15 points, while Derik Hollyfield added nine for the Panthers. Aaron Patterson came off the bench and grabbed six rebounds for EIU.

Saturday’s win marked ISU’s first road victory since February 16, 2002, when the Sycamores topped Evansville 82-71.

ISU will look to make it two straight on the road as they travel to face Valparaiso on Monday (Dec. 8). Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m., CST. The entire Sycamores' 2003-2004 men's basketball season will be carried live via Internet Audio streaming on USA-365.com. Brian Fritz calls the play-by-play and Jim Waugh provides the color commentary. Monday's pregame show starts at 6:40 p.m. and the tip-off is at 7:05 p.m., CST / 8:05 p.m., EST.

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