Chase Robinson sparks UIS to third straight win

Senior guard Chase Robinson knocked down a momentum-changing 3-pointer late in the second half and the University of Illinois Springfield won its third straight game by outlasting Lindenwood 82-76 on Thursday in a men’s basketball contest at The Recreation and Athletic Center.

Robinson’s 3 gave the Prairie Stars a 78-76 lead with 40 seconds remaining in the game. He then added two free throws as the Prairie Stars ended the game on a 7-0 run. Collin Stallworth and Yamani Shareef each went 1-for-2 from the line in the last :14 to help UIS improve to 5-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. 

In a game of runs, the Prairie Stars led 19-11 when senior guard Matt Wendling nailed a 3-pointer at 11:51 of the first half. But behind TJ Crockett, Anthony Christian and Vijay Blackmon, Lindenwood shot 48.1 percent (13 of 27) from the floor and roared back to lead 39-36 at the half.  

The Lions’ lead didn’t last as UIS guard Trey Marble warmed up. Marble scored 12 of his 17 points after halftime and Wendling — who finished with 14 points and four 3s — hit one from long distance to lift the Prairie Stars to a 72-61 advantage at 5:51. 

Lindenwood (5-5) responded with a 10-1 run of its own and got within 73-71 with 2:05 to go on a 3-pointer by Crockett, who finished with a game-high 26 points. Crockett’s three free throws gave the Lions a 74-73 lead at 1:28. After Robinson and Crockett traded buckets, Robinson’s trey gave UIS the lead for good, sending Lindenwood to its fifth loss in its last seven games.       

Robinson concluded the night with a team-high 24 points. UIS Reserve Jack Weber contributed 16 points and Wendling hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds. The Prairie Stars started the game 17-for-17 from the foul line and ended 23-for-27 (85.2%).  

UIS split the season-series with Lindenwood after the Lions beat the Prairie Stars 85-75 on Jan. 6 in St. Charles, Mo.