Illinois State Men’s Basketball Looks to Get Back on Track versus the Sycamores
Written by Adam Tichler on January 14, 2026
Image Courtesy of Redbird_MBB on X
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State is traveling to Terre Haute, Indiana, in hopes to snap their two game losing streak against Indiana State.
The Redbirds have a 12-5 record, including a 4-2 conference record, while Indiana State enters with an 8-9 record and a 1-5 conference record. Both teams are looking to get back on track as they reach the midseason point.
The Redbirds and Sycamores met earlier this season in Normal, with the Redbirds coming out on top 85-65. This matchup is a battle of ISUs as Illinois State goes for the sweep on the Sycamores.
Chase Walker led the way for Illinois State in the last matchup, scoring 18 points in 20 minutes. Other double-digit scorers for Illinois State were Ty Pence with 15 and Johnny Kinziger with 10.
Freshmen Ty’Reek Coleman and Mason Klabo have been bright spots for this young Redbird team, as Coleman is averaging just over 10 points. Klabo is back in the rotation after being out and is averaging 6 points per game.
Shooting the ball will have to be the focus for the Redbirds, as the ball has not found the basket as of late. Last Sunday against UIC, the Redbirds shot 27% from the field.
Illinois State will have to look out for Sycamore’s Ian Scott, as he scored 20 points in their last matchup. The Sycamores are looking for their first win of the 2026 calendar year, as their last win dates back to December 29 against Belmont. Indiana State is on a three-game losing streak heading into tonight’s matchup.
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