The UIS men's basketball team is set to continue their season with a neutral-site matchup on Saturday afternoon in the Wisconsin Dells, facing Northern Michigan at 3:00 p.m. This game marks the Prairie Stars' third contest against a GLIAC opponent this season, while the Wildcats will be playing their third game against a GLVC team.
Illinois Springfield (2-0)
The UIS men's basketball team enters this weekend on a high note after winning both games at the Midwest Region Crossover last weekend. On Saturday night, the Prairie Stars hosted Roosevelt in Springfield for the first-ever meeting between the two schools. UIS controlled the game from start to finish, securing a 93-76 victory. Five Prairie Stars scored in double figures, with Max Kunnert leading the team with 23 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
On Sunday afternoon, UIS faced another GLIAC opponent in Parkside. The game was highly physical, particularly in a low-scoring first half. Parkside scored the opening basket, but UIS quickly took the lead and maintained it throughout the game. Despite holding a steady 5- to 9-point lead from the middle of the first half to the middle of the second, UIS couldn't quite pull away until Khalil Ross's and-1 play pushed the lead into double digits. Parkside continued to battle, but UIS ultimately proved too strong, finishing with a 60-43 win. Max Kunnert and Braden McGlothlin led UIS with 11 points each, which were game highs.
Northern Michigan (2-0)
The Wildcats also head into the weekend with an undefeated record after starting their season 2-0 against GLVC opponents at a neutral site in the Wisconsin Dells. On Friday night, Northern Michigan took on Maryville in a competitive first half featuring twelve lead changes. However, NMU gained momentum with an 11-3 run in the final five minutes, entering halftime with a 38-30 lead. The Wildcats expanded their advantage throughout the second half, pushing the lead beyond 20 points at times and ultimately securing a 78-59 victory. Brian Parzych led NMU with 15 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field.
On Saturday night, NMU faced UMSL, where the Tritons jumped to an early 7-point lead. The Wildcats stayed within reach and eventually took the lead at the 8:34 mark of the first half, holding onto it for the remainder of the game. UMSL narrowed the gap to just one point shortly after the second half began, but NMU responded with an 8-0 run, establishing control once again. The Wildcats maintained a comfortable lead, extending it to 17 points late in the game to close with a 77-63 win and a 2-0 start to the season. Julien Smith paced NMU with 15 points on 4-for-8 shooting, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.