(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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