LOS ANGELES – The Illinois State men's basketball team trimmed a 20-point first half deficit to six in the second half but could not overcome the full margin in an 87-67 loss to an undefeated USC squad in the first game of the Experian HOF Series in Los Angeles.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Birds jumped up early, leading 7-5 before the Trojans ran off a 9-0 run to extend to a 14-7 lead with 12 minutes to play in the opening half. The Redbirds got back with four at 16-12, before the Trojans used a 20-3 run to stretch the lead to double-digits at 36-15.