KENOSHA, Wis. — Parkside men's basketball closed its GLVC/GLIAC crossover weekend in emphatic fashion Saturday night, rolling past Illinois Springfield 95-77 inside DeSimone Arena to earn its first win of the season. The Rangers moved to 1-1, while UIS dropped to 1-1.
Behind a blistering 60% shooting night, four players in double figures, and a dominant second half, the Rangers produced their highest scoring output against a Division II opponent since the 2021-22 season.
The story of the night belonged to junior forward Luka Mateski, who finished two points shy of his career high with 26 points on 7-for-10 shooting and a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line. It marked his second straight 20-point performance to open the season. Alongside him, Paxton Warden poured in 15 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Josiah Palmer added 12 points on 3-for-6 from deep and a team-high five assists.
Parkside's early separation came midway through the first half, when back-to-back threes from Braden McGlothlin — facing his former team for the first time — turned a one-point edge into an 18-10 lead. McGlothlin finished a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three, for 12 points off the bench. The Rangers ended the first half shooting 54%, taking a 46–37 lead into the break.
UIS guard Jordan Rice (30 points, 12-for-24 FG, 4-for-11 3PT) kept the Prairie Stars within striking distance, but every time UIS threatened, Parkside countered with a run of its own. Early in the second half, a Palmer three pushed the lead to double digits, and moments later, a Mateski dunk ignited the crowd as Parkside surged ahead 51-39.
The Rangers' efficiency only improved as the game progressed — Parkside shot 67% in the second half, including 57% from deep and 93% from the foul line. Defensively, Parkside held UIS to just 33% from three.
Parkside outscored UIS 26-16 in bench points and added seven points off turnovers. The Rangers also controlled the glass, finishing with 30 rebounds — including eight from Surakat — and limited UIS to just 11-for-20 at the line.
The win capped a strong turnaround after Friday's season-opening loss to Upper Iowa.
Parkside will continue its seven-game homestand on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. CT when it hosts Bethel University (Minn.).
To keep up with the Rangers all season long, visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
