(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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ICYMI: Semifinal # 2 today at #ArchMadness will feature a contrast of styles as # 5 @UIC_MBB faces # 4 @RacersHoops in the 2:30 game.
It's final: @UNImbb 68 @UEAthletics_MBB 59. The Panthers get @Redbird_MBB on Friday night. Campbell finishes with 23 points. Smith with a double-double. AJ Casey was great with 23 & 10. Panthers with 16 assists.
4:05 left: @UNImbb 57 @UEAthletics_MBB 54. Aces' ball. UNI upside? Campbell with 21 points. Down side - Bond 0/6 from deep. UE upside? Casey with 20 & 9. Down Side? 2/11 from deep in the second half. Anybody's game at #ArchMadness
7:25 left: @UNImbb 55 @UEAthletics_MBB 52. Trey Campbell with 21 points for the Panthers and AJ Casey with 18 for the Aces. Tristan Smith is such a game changer. He has 8 pts & 9 rebounds, but that doesn't tell the story. #ArchMadness
