NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State secured a hard-fought victory against Missouri State on Saturday night, finishing with a score of 74-68. Johnny Kinziger was the standout performer for the Redbirds, contributing 19 points to the team’s effort. Kinziger had an efficient shooting night, going 7 for 12 from the field, including a 2 for 5 performance beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line at 3 for 3.

Additionally, Landon Wolf made significant contributions with 17 points, shooting 4 of 8 overall and excelling at the free-throw line, hitting 6 of 7 attempts. Wolf also tallied an impressive 11 rebounds, showcasing his presence on both ends of the court. Chase Walker added to the scoring with 14 points, having 5 of 13 shooting from the field and also going 3 for 5 from the charity stripe. This victory brought Illinois State’s record to 11-8 overall, with a 3-5 standing in the Missouri Valley Conference.

On the other side, Missouri State struggled again, marking their seventh consecutive loss. Dez White led the Bears in scoring with 24 points, showing determination throughout the game. Vincent Brady II also contributed significantly with a stat line of 13 points, four assists, and two steals. The Bears faced challenges in staying competitive, particularly in the first half, where they headed into halftime with a 31-25 advantage over Illinois State.

Walker showcased his scoring ability early, netting nine points before the break. The second half saw Kinziger take control of the game, scoring all 19 of his points, which helped Illinois State rally for the come-from-behind win and ultimately seal the six-point victory. This game not only highlighted individual performances but also marked an important moment in the Redbirds’ season as they look to build momentum moving forward.