Malachi Poindexter's 18 lead Illinois State over Evansville 69-61

EVANSVILLE - Malachi Poindexter had 18 points in Illinois State's 69-61 win over Evansville on Saturday.

Poindexter also contributed five rebounds for the Redbirds (7-10, 2-4 Missouri Valley). Seneca Knight scored 15 points while going 5 of 8 and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Darius Burford was 5 of 12 shooting (1 for 4 from distance) to finish with 12 points, while adding six rebounds and six assists.

Marvin Coleman led the Purple Aces (4-13, 0-6) in scoring, finishing with 16 points. Kenny Strawbridge added 16 points and three steals for Evansville. Antoine Smith Jr. also had nine points.

A 10-0 run in the first half gave Illinois State a 10-point lead. The teams entered the break with Illinois State ahead 34-31, while Poindexter led his club in scoring with nine points. Burford put up nine second-half points and Illinois State secured the victory after a second half that featured 10 lead changes and was tied five times.