McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds experienced a downturn in their offensive performance during the final stretch of the 2024 Paradise Jam, resulting in a 72-64 loss to George Washington. Despite holding a lead for much of the game, Illinois State's shooting faltered in the last 12 minutes.

Chase Walker led the Redbirds with a career-high 18 points, despite being limited to 20 minutes due to foul trouble. Walker successfully converted all ten of his free throw attempts and contributed four rebounds and two steals. Johnny Kinziger added 16 points, hitting half of his twelve shots, while Dalton Banks also scored in double figures with 13 points and six rebounds. Ty Pence set a personal best with eight rebounds.

The Redbirds maintained control throughout most of the game but saw their lead slip away as George Washington went on a decisive run late in the second half. The Revolutionaries secured their victory by converting four free throws in the final moments.

Illinois State shot 43.8% from the field and an impressive 85.7% from the free-throw line but struggled from beyond the arc, making only four out of eighteen attempts. In contrast, George Washington made ten three-pointers and capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line.

Gerald Drumgoole and Trey Autry each scored 16 points for George Washington, while Darren Buchanan recorded a double-double with 15 points and ten rebounds.

Illinois State will next face Belmont Bruins on December 4 in Nashville, Tennessee.