Redbirds Ready For First Place Bout

NORMAL – The Illinois State Redbirds (13-9; 6-3) will host the Loyola Ramblers (14-8; 7-2) on Saturday night from Redbird Arena for a chance at first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Since starting the season 7-6, the Redbirds have been able to play well throughout their conference schedule including wins in four of their last five games. Now they turn their attention to the Ramblers who will be traveling to play a road game for only the sixth time this year. They are 3-2 in the previous five games, but ISU head coach Dan Muller knows how much of an advantage the crowd at Redbird Arena gives his team.

“It’s critical, we’re going to need our crowd…you need a great crowd.  Since our students have been back, we’ve had such a great Red Alert section, we’re going to need them in full force on Saturday.”

Muller backed up his talk too, as he spent most of the day Friday handing out tickets to students all throughout Illinois State’s campus.  The game, though, will not be won in the stands on Saturday. If the Redbirds expect to avenge their previous losses to Loyola, they will need to keep up the offensive pace they have held in recent games.

“We’re certainly executing better in games [and] we’re trusting our offense more. Our turnovers have been down in most of those [recent] games. You trust each other, you execute well, and you take care of the ball and we’ve been pretty good at those lately.”

It has shown for the Redbirds, who have shot 50 percent or better from the field in three of their last four games. Senior guard Keyshawn Evans spoke about the groove the team is in that now presents them an opportunity at first place in the conference.

“I think it’s getting the right shots. Especially when everybody is feeling well and hitting shots and getting those open looks.”

The Cinderella story for most last season has looked more like the evil step mother to the Redbirds in recent memory. Loyola has taken the last four matchups against the Redbirds including last season’s MVC Tournament Championship, which was Evans’ second straight loss in the title game.

“It’s the biggest game of the year, but only because it’s the next one. I don’t really think about the past games at all.”

The Redbirds will look to leave the past where it is and take advantage of the opportunity put in front of them. Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. and all the action can be heard on the Pulse of Redbird Nation 103.3 WZND.