Freeman scores 21, Rhode Island beats Illinois State 57-44

Brayon Freeman led Rhode Island over Illinois State on Wednesday with 21 points in a 57-44 victory.

Freeman also contributed five rebounds for the Rams (2-4). Ishmael Leggett scored 18 points while going 3 of 9 from the floor, including 1 for 4 from distance, and 11 for 13 from the line, and added six rebounds. Josaphat Bilau finished 4 of 8 from the floor to finish with 10 points, while adding 11 rebounds.

The Redbirds (2-5) were led by Kendall Lewis, who recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Illinois State also got eight points apiece from Malachi Poindexter and Colton Sandage.

Rhode Island carried a slim two-point lead into halftime, as Leggett led the way with 10 points. Rhode Island outscored Illinois State by 11 points in the second half, and Freeman scored a team-high 15 points in the second half to help secure the victory.