SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Quincy University men's basketball team got a career performance from redshirt-senior Tanner Stuckman in the season's opening game at Illinois Springfield on Friday night (Nov. 27). The Hawks came up short as the Prairie Stars shot over 50 percent from the floor and outlasted QU, 89-82. 

UIS put what little home court advantage they had to use in the early stages of the game. The Prairie Stars lit it up from the field after making 20 of 33 shots (60.6%) and made 8 of 11 (72.7%) three-point attempts in the first half. QU found themselves in a 36-17 hole with 6:38 left to play in the first half. 

The Hawks did not quit as they finished the final six minutes of the half by outscoring Illinois Springfield, 27-13. Six different Hawks contributed to the run including 13 points from Tanner Stuckman. 

At the half, Quincy trailed 49-44. 

Five minutes into the second half, Adam Moore pulled the Hawks within three when his jumper made the score 54-51.

The Prairie Stars pulled ahead by ten points over the next two and half minutes to regain the momentum. The score was 62-52 with 12:39 remaining. 

QU got buckets from Jamaurie Coakley, Jack Youmans, and Stuckman to help pull back within five points with under eleven minutes to go. 

Youmans and Charles Callier hit back-to-back threes with nine minutes left to bring the Hawks deficit to just two points. 

Despite bringing the margin to two points, the Hawks never gained a lead in Friday's contest. 

In the final three minutes, UIS went a perfect 7 of 7 from the free throw line to keep the Hawks at bay and hang on for an 89-82 win. 

Stat Leaders
Tanner Stuckman - 35 points and 8 rebounds
Charles Callier - 11 points and 6 rebounds

Next Game
The men will head to Lewis University on Sunday (Nov. 29) for a 3:15 p.m. tip-off.