McLean County Times

Despite strong performances from Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, the Illinois State men's basketball team was defeated by the Drake Bulldogs. The game ended with an 84-77 score at CEFCU Arena.

Walker led with 25 points, making 10 out of 15 shots and contributing seven rebounds. Kinziger followed with 22 points, achieving career-highs in free throw makes and attempts. Ty Pence also scored in double figures for Illinois State.

Malachi Poindexter provided three assists, while Walker and Kinziger each recorded two steals.

The Redbirds will travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to face the Indiana State Sycamores on February 15 at Hulman Center.

The game began evenly until the Bulldogs gained a lead they maintained throughout. Illinois State tied the score at one point but went into halftime trailing 40-32. Despite narrowing the gap in the second half, Drake extended their lead to win by seven points.

Illinois State had a .578 field goal percentage, their fourth-best this season. Drake's Bennett Stirtz matched Walker's score with 25 points and added seven rebounds and six assists.

Chase Walker tied his career-high for shots made and led in scoring and rebounding for Illinois State. Johnny Kinziger reached double figures for the 21st time this season. Ty Pence achieved double figures for the ninth time this season.

Illinois State has frequently used its current starting lineup and won the opening tip-off. The game marked another instance of two players scoring over 20 points in a single match for ISU this season.

For more information on tickets or merchandise, visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.