Illinois State Holds Off Irvine

Shedrick Ford made two clutch shots in the final 70 seconds as Illinois State beat UC Irvine, 58-52, Friday in the University Hoops Classic at Robert Morris College.

Illinois State (2-0) held a 49-37 lead with 6:15 left to play before UC Irvine (2-1) scored 10 consecutive points. Mike Hood made two three-point baskets during Irvine’s run, finishing with 13 points off the bench. His second three-pointer came at 4:10, pulling the Anteaters within two points.

Baboucarr Bojang, who had 13 points and eight rebounds, made two free throws for Illinois State with 3:18 remaining to give the Redbirds a four-point lead.

UC Irvine had two opportunities to cut into that lead, but Hood missed an easy layup and Matt Okoro made only one of two free throws with 2:10 left.

Jerry Green, who had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Anteaters, cut the advantage to three points on two free throws with 55.7 seconds left.

But Ford connected on a jumper from the left side with 20 seconds remaining.