The UIS men's basketball team improved to 6-6 on the season with a thrilling 94-91 overtime victory against Grand Valley State on Friday.
"What a high-level college basketball game! Grand Valley State is a really good ball club, and that is a big-time road win," said UIS head coach Matt Brock. "Our men really defended well in the first 10 minutes of the second half to build that lead. Our seniors made clutch play after clutch play down the stretch and in overtime. A very good way to enter the break!"
Game Summary
- Evan Altman set the tone early, contributing the first six points for UIS with two three-pointers in the opening minutes. UIS maintained their lead until an 11-1 run by GVSU, capped off by a three-pointer, shifted the momentum.
- A 7-4 stretch midway through the first half gave GVSU a 23-16 advantage. Both teams demonstrated strong ball control, committing just three turnovers each before halftime.
- The second half showcased the competitive nature of the game, as the teams found themselves tied multiple times. UIS surged ahead 68-58 on a 12-2 run, but GVSU responded with a 9-2 run to close the gap to just two points.
- The game climaxed at 81-81 with 26 seconds remaining in regulation after GVSU made a free throw. UIS missed a free throw and GVSU's jump shot attempt fell short, sending the game into overtime.
- The Prairie Stars found themselves down by four points midway through the overtime period but staged a gritty comeback with key defensive rebounds. Max Kunnert delivered a clutch three-pointer to give UIS the lead for the final time. Kunnert then sealed the victory with two decisive free throws
- UIS shot 47.6% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, compared to GVSU's 47.7% field goal percentage and 38.1% three-point accuracy.
- Evan Altman led the Prairie Stars with a career-high 31 points, including seven three-pointers. Jack Weber, the program's all-time scoring leader, contributed 17 points, and Max Kunnert added 13. Altman, Nate Shockey, and Khalil Ross each pulled down eight rebounds.
Up Next
UIS resumes conference play on Saturday, Jan. 5, traveling to Indianapolis to face the UIndy Greyhounds.