McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds are set to face the Cornell Big Red in a historic matchup, marking their first meeting and concluding ISU's non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season. The game is scheduled for December 22 at Newman Arena in Ithaca, New York, with an 11 AM CT tip-off. Fans can follow the action on ESPN+ or tune into the Illinois State Radio Network.

Illinois State has shown strong performance metrics this season, ranking within the top-30 in field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage, and free throw percentage among NCAA Division I teams. "ISU out-rebounded Northern Illinois by 20 in the Redbirds' most recent game," highlighting their dominance on the boards.

Sophomore Chase Walker has been recognized as Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week following his standout performance against Saint Louis, where he scored a career-high 27 points. This accolade marks Walker's first MVC honor since Johnny Kinziger was named Player of the Week last February.

Cornell enters this contest with a 7-3 record, having recently defeated Cal with notable contributions from players like AK Okereke and Cooper Noard. The Big Red is known for its fast-paced play style and ranks second nationally in assists per game.

The Illinois State men's basketball team continues to excel in shooting efficiency. They have achieved impressive statistics across multiple games this season, including high percentages from both field goals and free throws. Their recruiting class for 2025 also shows promise with four new signees ranked nationally.

In addition to their current season achievements, Illinois State celebrates Doug Collins' induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame—a significant honor recognizing his extensive contributions to basketball at various levels.