Illinois State Hosts Southern Illinois in a Key MVC Matchup

Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. -Illinois State continues conference play with a familiar challenge as it hosts in-state rival Southern Illinois in a physical Missouri Valley Conference matchup.

The Redbirds will lean on the steady backcourt play of Chase Walker, who has remained a reliable scoring option all season, while Johnny Kinziger provides shooting and pace on the perimeter. Illinois State’s ability to execute in the half-court will be tested in what is expected to be a grind-it-out Valley game.

Ball security and rebounding remain points of emphasis as the Redbirds look to limit second-chance opportunities and avoid giving Southern Illinois easy scoring chances. Illinois State has stressed discipline on both ends as conference play continues to tighten.

With the MVC standings beginning to take shape, protecting home court is critical. Games between Illinois State and Southern Illinois rarely come easily, and Tuesday’s matchup figures to be another possession-by-possession battle with implications that extend well beyond one night.

With a win, Illinois State can become part of a 3-way tie for 2nd place in the MVC, with Murray State, Bradley, and UIC. Illinois State heads into Saturday’s matchup with a 15-7 record (7-4 MVC) to meet the 9-13 (3-8 MVC) Salukis from Southern Illinois.

Tune in right here on 103.3 WZND, where brother tandem Liam and Quinn Lyons will have the live broadcast from CEFCU Arena starting at 5:50 pm.

For all things Redbird men’s basketball, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.