Despite a career night from Jack Weber and a strong second-half push, the Illinois Springfield men's basketball team couldn't complete the comeback, falling 79-75 to McKendree on Thursday night at TRAC. The Bearcats improved to 11-10 (8-6 GLVC), while UIS dropped to 10-12 (5-9 GLVC).

"The difference in the game was perimeter shooting," said Coach Brock. "They started hot from three and seemed to hit a dagger every time we got in striking distance. They did a great job of limiting our shooters."

Despite the challenge, UIS saw strong performances off the bench. "I thought we got good contributions from Isaiah Esker and Colin Schuler," Brock added. "It's hard enough to dig out of a double-digit deficit once, much less twice in a game."

Game Recap

• McKendree's sharp three-point shooting set the tone early, as the Bearcats drilled five triples in the opening stretch to take a 23-18 lead. Meanwhile, UIS was 0-for-2 from deep but found success inside, with Jack Weber leading the charge. The senior center was unstoppable early, going 5-for-5 from the field for 10 quick points.
• UIS clawed back into the game by attacking the paint and converting free throws, going 9-for-10 from the line to cut the deficit to 35-28 by halftime. The Bearcats shot an even 50% in the first half while UIS trailed at 37.5%.
• McKendree extended its lead to double digits early in the second half, but the Prairie Stars refused to go away. A 13-3 UIS run midway through the half brought the home team within three points. Jack Weber's layup made it a one-point game with under four minutes left, setting up a dramatic finish.
• Both teams traded blows in the final minutes, with UIS continuing to work inside while McKendree relied on timely three-pointers. Britton Dutton drained two clutch threes and added a layup in the final minute, but McKendree stayed just out of reach.
• Jack Weber delivered a career performance, finishing with 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting. His scoring output ties him for 5th in the program's Division II era for single-game points, while his 13 field goals rank second for a single game.
• Tye Banks posted a double-double, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds.