Trent scores 19, TCU beats Illinois State 71-60
PUERTO AVENTURAS, Mexico (AP) Malique Trent scored 19 points, Vladimir Brodziansky had 16 points and nine rebounds, and TCU beat Illinois State 71-60 on Wednesday in the Cancun Challenge.
Illinois State made a late push to get back within nine points on a 3-point play by DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell, but Brandon Parrish drained a 3-pointer with 2:25 left.
''We were going to have to handle their pressure and make good decisions. Our players know we have enough in that locker room to get this job done,'' said TCU coach Trent Johnson. ''We don't make a lot of excuses. New guys have to understand that if you're in a position to make a play, you have to do it.''
Karviar Shepherd added 15 points for the Horned Frogs (3-2), who were without starters Chris Washburn and Kenrich Williams. Williams is expected to miss the rest of the season.
''I told them to feel good about this. It's a nice plane ride home, and then we have to get ready,'' Johnson added.
The Frogs' largest lead was 55-36 after a shot by Brodziansky with 6:39 to go.
Paris Lee scored 16 points, and Akoon-Purcell scored 14 points to go with six rebounds for the Redbirds (2-4), who shot just 36 percent from the field and missed their first 12 attempts from 3-point range.
---
UP NEXT
TCU host to SMU on Dec. 2
Illinois State hosts Quincy on Friday.
TIP-INS
TCU: The Horned Frogs committed 18 turnovers, but were a solid 6-of-17 from the 3-point line.
Illinois State: The Redbirds had five assists overall and were just 3-of-18 shooting from long range.
