Youngstown State Penguins rally to force OT, but fall to Redbirds

Staff report

NORMAL, ILLINOIS

Sophomore Marcus Keene scored a career-high 29 points with five 3-pointers, but the Youngstown State men’s basketball team dropped a hard-fought 85-73 decision in overtime to Illinois State on Saturday at Redbird Arena.

Keene connected on 10-of-17 shooting from the floor, 5-of-10 from 3-point range and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line to lead the Penguins (4-4).

The San Antonio, Texas, native also dished out four assists with four steals.

Seniors DJ Cole and Shawn Amiker added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Illinois State (3-2) had four players reach double figures led by Bobby Hunter’s 20 points and Deontae Hawkins’ double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell scored 18 points while Reggie Lynch had 10 points and seven blocks.

The Penguins, who shot 60 percent (15-of-25) in the second half, trailed by eight at the half, clawed their way back to tie the game and led by as many as seven points before the Redbirds were able to force the extra period.

In overtime tied at 65, each team made their first two baskets and a pair of free throws to keep the game tied, 71-71, with 2:53 left.

ISU’s Paris Lee converted a three-point play to give the Redbirds a 74-71 lead, but Cole driving layup sliced that advantage down to one with 2:13 to go.

Two free-throws and a 3-point play by Akoon-Purcell pushed the lead to six, 79-73, and the Redbirds made their final six free throws to seal the victory.

Trailing 32-24 at the half, Keene led a 9-2 run to open the second half with a 3-pointer and a four-point play to get the Penguins within one 34-33.

The Penguins took their first lead since the 14:51 mark of the first half after a Bobby Hain jumper and two free throws, 37-36, with 15:52 left.