Redbirds Handle EKU to Improve to 7-2
Written by Kole Schipper on December 4, 2025
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. -Illinois State Men’s basketball made its way back home after an impressive performance at the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational, where the Redbirds took home the first-place trophy. Not only that, but junior forward Ty Pence took home the MVP of the Invitational after a 20-point performance against Furman in the championship game.
The Redbirds would head back home and face the Colonels from Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels came into the game on a 6-game losing streak with an early record of 1-6. ISU on the other hand, is coming into this game with a 5-game winning streak and looking to keep up their winning ways. However, they would have to compete in their game without star Freshman guard Ty ’Reek Coleman, who was out for this contest with an injury.
This would not deter the Redbirds, with Freshman Mason Klabo (Clay-Bow) stepping into Coleman’s spot and doing so nicely. Klabo would finish the game with an efficient 7-9 from the floor with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Junior’s Johnny Kinziger and Ty Pence would have great performances as well, helping lead the Redbirds to an 89-78 victory over the Colonels. Kinziger would finish with a team-high 21 points and 5 assists, while Pence would add 17 of his own with 7 boards and 5 assists.
Illinois State was efficient from the floor all night, shooting 54% from the field, 48% from behind the 3-point arc, and 80% from the stripe. An efficient night against an Eastern Kentucky team that would not go away. Every time ISU would find a rhythm and go on a run, EKU would answer right back with scores of their own.
The leading scorer for the Colonels was Sophomore guard Juan Cranford Jr, who would finish with a team-high 17 points, going 6-11 from the field and 5-8 from 3-point range. With the loss the Colonels lose their 7th straight game and fall to 1-7 on the season.
Illinois State improves to 7-2 Overall (0-0 MVFC) and will be back in action on Saturday, as they will stay at home and take on Chicago State at 7 pm.
For more Redbird Basketball tune into wznd.com.
