NORMAL, Ill. (AP) Phil Fayne threw down a key dunk late in the game and he, Milik Yarbrough and Josh Jefferson scored 17 points apiece as Illinois State Redbirds overcame an early deficit to defeat Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 74-66 in a season opener Tuesday night.

FGCU fought back to within three points, 60-57, with 5:29 left to play, but a dunk by Fayne sparked a 6-0 run that rebuilt the lead. FGCU came within 70-66 with 95 seconds remaining on Schadrac Casimir's 3-pointer, but four straight free throws by Yarbrough and Keyshawn Evans closed out the game. Fayne also corralled a game-high 11 rebounds.

Casimir scored 18 points - all 3-pointers - to lead the Eagles. Dinero Mercurius and Haanif Cheatham scored 11 and 10, respectively

FGCU led 6-0 in the early going, but a tip-in by Fayne off an Evans miss put Illinois State in the lead for good, 20-18.

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