McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds are set to face the Missouri State Bears at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. This game marks the beginning of a four-game home stretch for the Redbirds over five games. The match is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, with tip-off at 4 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Illinois State has shown significant improvement this season, climbing 330 position rankings from last year and ranking ninth nationally in three-point field goal percentage. The team boasts a .399 three-point field goal percentage, which could become the fourth-best single-season average in school history if maintained.

Forward Chase Walker draws an average of 8.2 fouls per 40 minutes played, placing him fourth nationally in this category. Additionally, fifth-year forward Caden Boser is close to reaching a career milestone of 1,000 points across his collegiate tenure.

Missouri State enters the game with a six-game losing streak and an overall record of 7-11. In their most recent game against Southern Illinois, Michael Osei-Bonsu led the Bears with 17 points and nine rebounds. Dez White leads Missouri State in scoring with an average of 15.4 points per game.

The Redbirds have excelled offensively this season, ranking inside the top-30 nationwide in field goal percentage, three-point field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. Their offensive efficiency is highlighted by KenPom's adjusted offensive rating of 110.9.

Illinois State also features strong contributions from freshman Jack Daugherty and sophomore guard Johnny Kinziger who was named to Bracketeer.org's All-American watch list.

In other news related to Illinois State basketball, Doug Collins was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on October 13.