Illinois State men’s basketball looks to bounce back against Central State

Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics / Story by Antoine Randle

Illinois State men’s basketball returns to CEFCU Arena Thursday night looking to pick up its first win of the 2026-27 season against Central State University.

After opening the season with a 90-85 overtime loss to Saint Mary’s on Nov. 2, the Redbirds will look to get back on track in their home opener. With a veteran group returning under head coach Ryan Pedon, ISU will aim to build early momentum as it continues its nonconference schedule.

A tough season opener

The Redbirds opened the season on the road against Saint Mary’s, falling 90-85 in overtime. Despite the loss, senior guard Johnny Kinziger delivered a strong performance, scoring 30 points.

Kinziger’s scoring total marked the third-highest season-opening performance in program history, trailing only Doug Collins’ 40-point outing in 1971 and Ron Jones’ 32-point performance in 1978.

ISU will look to carry Kinziger’s offensive production into Thursday’s matchup while improving on its defensive performance after allowing 90 points in the season opener.

The Redbirds also enter the season following back-to-back 20-win campaigns, marking the first time the program has accomplished the feat since the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

A familiar core

ISU returns several key contributors from last season’s roster, including senior guard Johnny Kinziger and senior forward Chase Walker.

Kinziger enters the season after reaching the 1,000-point milestone during the 2025-26 campaign. He finished last season with 62 made 3-pointers, moving into seventh place in program history with 180 career 3-pointers.

Walker also returns after earning Missouri Valley Conference First Team honors for the second consecutive season. He reached the 1,000-point milestone during ISU’s National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Dayton.

The return of Kinziger and Walker gives the Redbirds two experienced scoring options as they look to establish themselves early in the season.

A new challenge

Central State enters Thursday’s matchup as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Marauders will face the Redbirds in an exhibition contest, while the game counts toward ISU’s regular-season record.

The matchup gives ISU an opportunity to build confidence and gain experience before facing a challenging nonconference schedule.

With its home crowd behind it, the Redbirds will look to take advantage of the matchup and improve to 1-1 on the season.

Looking ahead

Following Thursday’s home opener, ISU will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, to face Purdue on Nov. 9.

The Redbirds will then head to North Dakota State on Nov. 13 before returning to CEFCU Arena to host Bellarmine on Nov. 17.

With several nonconference games ahead, ISU will look to use the early portion of the season to prepare for Missouri Valley Conference play, which begins Dec. 17 against Murray State.

Illinois State men’s basketball hosts Central State at 7 p.m. Thursday at CEFCU Arena in Normal. The game will be available on ESPN+.

For all things Redbird Basketball, stay tuned to WZND.com