Illinois State Men’s Basketball Drops Season Opener in Overtime

Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics

NORMAL, Ill.— Illinois State men’s basketball dropped their season opener to a top tier Mid-Major team in Saint Mary’s last night in overtime by a score of 90-85.

It was a tightly contested game with the largest lead for the Redbirds being ten with 12 minutes to play before the Gaels went on a late run to force overtime. Illinois State had a chance to win it at the end of regulation as Chase Walker had a solid look in the paint but missed as time expired.

Illinois State shot an impressive 48% from deep while going 9-14 in the second half from behind the arc. The Gaels went 4-17 from deep but shot 50% from the field overall.

Johnny Kinziger led the scoring for the Redbirds, recording 30 points in the loss while going 6-10 from behind the arc. Malik Messina-Moore recorded 16 points in his Redbird debut and Mason Klabo scored 12 before going down with an apparent leg injury.

Chase Walker only shot 2-4 from the field and added 8 points as he battled foul trouble the entire night, later fouling out in overtime.

Ryan Pedon’s Redbirds showed some encouraging signs in the first game of the year against a very solid program in Saint Mary’s despite blowing the double digit lead late and dropping the game in overtime. The Redbirds showcased their depth as they played a ten man rotation.

The Redbirds begin the season 0-1 and will be back in action for the home opener on Thursday night at 7 p.m. against Central State at CEFCU arena.

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