NORMAL, Ill. — In an impressive performance, Dalton Banks contributed significantly to Illinois State’s 85-75 victory over Ohio on Tuesday evening, scoring 23 points. The Redbirds improved their record to 2-1, while Banks also grabbed five rebounds during the game.

Caden Boser was another standout for Illinois State, netting 16 points without missing a shot—going 6 for 6 from the floor and an impressive 4 for 4 from three-point range. Meanwhile, Chase Walker added to the team’s success, finishing with 13 points, having shot 4 of 5 from the field and converted 5 of his 6 free-throw attempts.

On the other side, the Bobcats fell to 1-2 despite a strong showing from AJ Brown, who led his team with 20 points. Ohio’s AJ Clayton contributed with 12 points and three blocks, while Elmore James also added 12 points to the scoreboard.

The first half ended with Illinois State holding a slender lead at 40-37. Dalton Banks was instrumental during this period, scoring 13 points. The turning point arrived in the second half when Illinois State launched a 14-2 run, transforming a three-point deficit into a commanding 69-60 advantage with just under seven minutes left to play. During this stretch, Boser tallied 11 points, helping his team secure the win.