NORMAL, Ill. — In a commanding performance, the Illinois State Redbirds secured an 81-60 win against Northern Illinois on Wednesday evening.

Dalton Banks was instrumental in the victory, contributing 17 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. His efforts helped solidify the Redbirds’ record at 7-4 and 0-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Chase Walker supported the team with 15 points and six rebounds. Johnny Kinziger also had a noteworthy game, scoring 12 points—hitting four out of eight attempts from beyond the arc—and notching seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

On the other side, Northern Illinois struggled despite a standout performance from Quentin Jones, who led all scorers with 27 points. Kailon Nicholls provided some additional support with 12 points and two steals, while Tsvet Sotirov contributed nine points and recorded two steals.

Illinois State gained the upper hand with 16:50 left in the first half and maintained control throughout the game. Kinziger set the tone early, scoring nine points in the first half, leading Illinois State to a 36-28 advantage by halftime. The Redbirds made a decisive push in the second half with a 14-0 run, stretching their lead from 14 points to as much as 28. Walker was particularly effective during this period, leading the team with 11 points in the second half as Illinois State outscored Northern Illinois by 13 points in the latter frame.

The game showcased the Redbirds’ strong offensive rhythm and defensive capabilities, marking a significant win as they begin their conference play.