Redbirds Tie for First Place in Front of Largest Crowd of Season

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men’s basketball team impressed a jam-packed Redbird arena with a dominant 65-57 win over the raining final four, Loyola Ramblers. This win makes ISU tied for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Redbirds (14-9, 7-3) were led by Milik Yarbrough, who had 21 points, shooting 7-14 from the field goal, 3-5 from behind the arc and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. Leading the team in rebounds was Phil Fayne with 6, accompanied by Keyshawn Evans with 14 points and 11 points from Zach Copeland. Evans registered 12 of his points from 3’s, while Copeland shot 50% from mid-range.

“It’s not a comfort, it’s just us not wanting to let down everyone that’s here. You play harder at home, you have more confidence at home” said Evans. “It’s just a game at the end of the day. Every game after this is harder. And guys are going to want to get you out of first place”

As for Loyola (14-9, 7-3), Marques Towns ended his night with 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Cameron Krutwig went 5-8 from the field, en route to 15 points total and 11 rebounds for the night. Clayton Custer, the reigning MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference, shot 3-14 from the field, and 1-12 from beyond the arch on his way to a mere 8 points.

“I told him to keep shooting, keep your head up. I’m going to sit you one play and get right back in. He went right back in, in 30 seconds” Said Porter Moser.

The Redbirds will host Valparaiso Tuesday at 7 p.m.