McLean County Times

Illinois State University’s men’s basketball team concluded its preseason exhibition schedule with a 100-65 loss to Northwestern on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois.

The Redbirds kept pace with the Wildcats early in the first half, tying the game at 18 with just under ten minutes left before halftime. Northwestern then pulled ahead by scoring 13 of the next 17 points and maintained a lead that reached ten points at one stage. Illinois State managed to cut the deficit to seven, trailing 41-34 at halftime.

In the second half, Northwestern extended its advantage with a 9-0 run and remained in control for the rest of the contest.

The matchup marked the start of a home-and-home exhibition series between Illinois State and Northwestern, with next season’s meeting scheduled for Normal, Illinois. This was also Illinois State’s second consecutive preseason exhibition against a Big Ten opponent on the road.

Illinois State started Jack Daugherty, Johnny Kinziger, Boden Skunberg, Ty Pence, and Chase Walker. The first substitutions were Brandon Lieb, Ty'Reek Coleman, and Landon Moore.

Chase Walker led Illinois State with 13 points—11 coming in the first half—and contributed four assists and five rebounds. Ty'Reek Coleman added 12 points on efficient shooting and was perfect from the free throw line. Johnny Kinziger and Boden Skunberg each scored nine points; Skunberg also matched Walker's team-high five rebounds. Ten Redbird players scored during the game.

Illinois State will begin its regular season on November 6 against Ohio University in Athens. The team’s home opener is set for November 9 versus Cornell.