Redbird Men’s Basketball Starts Their Season 1-0

NORMAL, Ill- The Redbirds men’s basketball team took on Lourdes University Tuesday at CEFCU Arena and came out on top in their home opener.

Following there big win in the exhibition game against Illinois Wesleyan, the Redbirds wanted to start off their season on the right foot compared to last season being 1-0 currently as they won 75 to 56.

“A year ago tonight we were not 1 and 0, so you come to appreciate wins, they are hard to come by this team here will win a lot of games” said ISU head coach Ryan Pedon.

The beginning of this game was a little sloppy for both teams but as the game went on the Redbirds found their rhythm to close the first half up 38 to 29. They continued that stellar play to open the second half as they made two quick threes and forcing Lourdes to call a timeout.

Coming into this game Lourdes had a player averaging 33 points per game in Jackie Harris but the Redbirds and specifically Myles Foster did a great defending him as he was only able to score 19 points and shot six for 18 from the field in this game.

“ I thought Myles did a really good job, he accepted the challenge tonight, Myles his length presents such a problem and this was a different kind of matchup for him, different kind of guard for him,” said Pedon.

Myles Foster had a great game finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, and three steals showing off that stellar defense. The leading scorer for the Redbirds last night was guard Malachi Poindexter who finished with 16 points and also getting seven rebounds.

The Redbirds unfortunately had to play this game without one of their leaders in Kendall Lewis who was unable to play due to impermissibly participating in a summer league basketball game according to Redbird’s men’s basketball twitter.

The Redbirds added a lot of new talent to the squad this with some guys coming in through the transfer portal. A few of those guys had a real impact in last nights game with Brandon Lieb former Illinois player ending the game with three huge blocks and seven rebounds.

Another newcomer showing his value was Jordan Davis, the former Wisconsin player who came in and knocked down three huge 3-pointers.

Darius Burford achieved a huge milestone as he eclipsed 1,000 collegiate points in his career. He has spent his past 2 seasons with the Redbirds.

Following this victory the Redbirds take on Saint Louis on Saturday November 11^th at the Chaifetz Arena as they hope to add another win to the win column.