Illinois-Springfield Bests Red Devils in Exhibition, 68-39

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Eureka men's basketball team challenged itself against Division II Illinois-Springfield on Thursday and fell to the Prairie Stars 68-39 in an exhibition contest for the Red Devils.

After besting Knox in non-conference action at the Reagan Athletic Complex on Wednesday night, the Red Devils came out slow on Thursday.

The Prairie Star held a 31-14 lead at halftime and led by as many as 33 in the second half.

The Red Devils used the game as an opportunity to play against higher-level competition, try different defensive formations and offensive sets, and put different players in new positions.

Eureka had 16 players enter the game on the night.

Senior Ian Milsteadt (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) scored a team-high eight points and had a two rebounds and one steal.

Sophomore transfer David Hill (Elgin, Ill./St. Edwards Catholic) followed with seven points in 10 minutes off the bench. J'Len Crawford (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington) led the team in rebounds with seven and added six points, two assists and a steal.

Point guard Jalen Hosea (Bloomington, Ill./Richwoods) also had six points, along with four rebounds and an assist, while junior Charlie McKinty (Elmwood, Ill./Elmwood) contributed six rebounds, three steals and two points.

Illinois-Springfield's James Kelley scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting for the Prairie Stars while pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds. Jack Weber added 14 points.

The win was Illinois-Springfield's (1-2) first of the season. It counted for the Prairie Stars, but not for the maroon and gold.

Eureka has the rest of the week off from competition. The Red Devils (2-2) will host Monmouth (0-3) at Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena and Convocation Center on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.