(Indianapolis, IN) – Illinois State is still perfect at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds were 85-71 victors over UC Irvine in Wednesday’s National Invitation Tournament game. Deontae Hawkins made six three pointers on the way to 21 points as Illinois State (28-6) improved to 16-0 on Doug Collins Court.
Three other Redbirds reached double figures in scoring as ISU shot better than 52% from the field and exactly 52% from long distance. Paris Lee and MiKyle McIntosh each scored 13 points and Phil Fayne scored 11. Lee handed out seven assists without losing a turnover.
Dan Muller’s team has won 21 of their last 23 games, going 1-2 against 19th ranked Wichita State during that span. The team’s 28 wins are a program record, and Wednesday’s win was the Birds first post season victory since they split two 2015 NIT games.
ISU’s season continues Monday night as Central Florida (22-11) visits Normal for second round NIT action. The Knights defeated Colorado 79-74. Former Redbird Nick Banyard plays for UCF and averages over six points and six rebounds per game.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
