Daugherty and Kinziger’s performance earn Pedon’s first win over Braves

Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State men’s basketball head coach Ryan Pedon got his first win over Bradley University in three seasons, 82-71 on Wednesday night at CEFCU Arena.  

“There’s a lot of highs and lows that come with coaching,” Pedon said. “I’m trying to coach the game and stay in the moment the best I can. They are our rival, and it did feel good to beat them.” 

Jack Daugherty displayed marksmanship from behind the arc, knocking down seven three-pointers and scoring the game’s high 25 points. The freshman went a perfect six-of-six from the field in the second half.  

“It was just having that rivalry feeling,” Daugherty said. “Coach said we all have to step up and play with confidence.” 

Johnny Kinziger showed an all-around hustle for the Redbirds. In the final minutes of the first half, Kinziger collided with Zek Montgomery of the Braves. Before the sophomore was taken into the locker room, he hyped up the crowd.  

Johnny Kinziger’s eye during the postgame press conference.

“I went for the steal; we bumped heads, and I immediately felt the blood,” Kinziger said. “I was like ‘I’m going to make something out of this’ and tried to fire up the crowd the best I could to make it as memorable as possible.”  

Kinziger’s courage out hustled everyone on the court as he came away with the game high nine rebounds. Additionally, he scored 19 points and knocked down nine free throws.  

Chase Walker flipped the script after only scoring five points in the first game of the I-74 rivalry on Jan. 21. The sophomore scored 13 points and collected five rebounds.  

“This rivalry is something that means a lot to the people of this town,” Kinziger said. “Coach hasn’t beaten them since he’s been here, so playing for him, for the name on the front of the jersey and for this town, means a lot.”