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Romeoville, Ill. - The Lewis University men's basketball team used a 29-4 run over the opening 11 minutes of the second half on their way to the 81-54 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over Illinois Springfield at Neil Carey Arena on Saturday (Jan. 17) afternoon.

Lewis' backcourt of seniors Ryan Jackson (Bolingbrook, Ill./Riverside-Brookfield), Jeff Jarosz (Lyons, Ill./Morton) and freshman Max Strus (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg) combined for 21 points during that run. Jackson (16 points) propelled Lewis during that stretch with eight points, followed by seven from Strus and six from Jarosz (11 points). Strus finished with game-highs in points (19), rebounds (8), assists (3) and steals (4).

"I thought we came out in the second half and played with great energy," Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "We just have to keep grinding, keep working and keep getting better.

"We took some steps this week and it's going to get tough here in a hurry."

With the win, Lewis irmproves to 12-3 overall and 4-2 in GLVC action, while the visiting Prairie Stars drop to 6-8 on the campaign and remain winless in conference at 0-6.

The Prairie Stars were held scoreless over the first 4:32 of the final stanza. For the game, UIS shot 34.5% (19-for-55) from the field and 33.3% (8-for-24) from three-point range. Lewis' defense forced 13 miscues, which led to 16 points for the Flyers. The Flyers recorded 10 steals on the afternoon, tying a team-season high.

UIS was paced offensively by junior guard Davi Austin, who had 15 points and a team-best five rebounds, while juniors Jamall Millison (2 treys) and JJ Cravatta (4 treys) each contributed 12 points in the loss.

Lewis returns to action on Monday (Jan. 19), as the Flyers welcome No. 22 UW-Parkside to Neil Carey Arena for a 7:30 PM tipoff.