Box Score

The first two games of a four-game road trip for the UW-Parkside men's basketball team saw them play national powers Bellarmine and Kentucky Wesleyan, losing by seven and 14 points respectively. Head coach Luke Reigel thought his team played well, despite the defeats. Such was not the case this time in a 67-56 loss at Illinois-Springfield.

The Rangers missed easy shots early and never recovered. They trailed 33-27 at halftime and were within a bucket or two for most of the second half before the Prairie Stars pulled away in the final 5 minutes. UW-Parkside never led in the game.

Jeremy Saffold, who had a highlight film dunk in the contest, led all scorers with 13 points. Grant Johnson added a dozen.

The Prairie Star bench was key to their victory, scoring over half of their points with 38. Ryan Thornton, who drilled a pair of three-point shots down the stretch, had 18 off the pines. Fellow reserve Chigozie Umeadi, added 11.

The Rangers hope to salvage a game on the trip when it takes on Saint Joseph's Saturday, Jan. 9, at 3:00 p.m.