EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Visiting IPFW used a 16-0 run over a 7:15 stretch in the second half to score a come-from-behind 74-71 win over SIUE in nonconference men's basketball at the Vadalabene Center.

SIUE dropped to 1-1 with the loss while preseason Summit League favorite IPFW improved to 2-0.

"It is positive in a way, but at the same time we're playing on our home court," SIUE Head Coach Lennox Forrester said. "We let a team back in the game because we went away from what got us our success. Our effort and energy was great."

The Mastodons connected on 60 percent (6 for 10) of their three-point attempts in the first half to build a five point (37-32) lead at the break.

A pair of free throws by IPFW's Joe Edwards gave the Mastodons a 45-41 lead with 16:03 to play. SIUE then used a 14-2 run of its own to gain the eight-point advantage midway through the second period. Maurice Wiltz brought the Cougars within two with a 10-foot jumper before an offensive rebound and a put-back from Grant Fiorentinos tied the score 45-45 with 14:25 remaining.

Kris Davis then scored seven of the next 10 SIUE points to push the Cougars in front 55-47. Donivine Stewart had the other three Cougar points, on a three-point basket, during the stretch.

SIUE and IPFW traded baskets over the next three-plus minutes. A Stewart layup with 8:57 left made it 59-51 Cougars when the Mastodons went on their run to close out the game.

"We went away from what we were doing when we had success, which was driving to the basket, getting easy buckets, and making plays," Forrester said. "They made their run because they were the aggressive team, and we stepped back. They scored on penetration, they scored in the post, and they were making plays."

Stewart tied his career high with 24 points and has scored 20 or more in each of the season's first two games. Davis scored 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Keaton Jackson pitched in 10 points and two blocks despite playing just nine minutes due to early foul trouble.

Fiorentinos played 19 minutes in Jackson's absence. The junior scored just the two points to tie the game, but added a career-high seven rebounds and an assist. Forrester praised Fiorentinos after the game.

"Grant is a guy who has been in our system for three years, which showed tonight," Forrester said. "He played with great energy, got offensive rebounds, and took charges."

Isaiah McCray paced the Mastodons with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Edwards scored 14 points and Steve Forbes added 12.

SIUE next travels to Portland, Oregon, for games at Portland Saturday and at Portland State Monday.

"Something that we have struggled with is playing on the road, but going out there and playing two games is what will make us better," Forrester added. "Each game is going to be a challenge."