redbirds Soar Into CBI Championship After Thrilling Victory Over UIW

DAYTONA BEACH, fla. – In a nail-biting contest that kept fans on the edge of thier seats, the Illinois State Redbirds punched their ticket to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Championship Game, defeating the University of the incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals 78-73. With a clutch performance in the final minutes, the Redbirds showcased resilience and determination, setting the stage for a championship showdown.

The Redbirds faced a tough challenge from the outset, with UIW taking an early lead and maintaining control for much of the first half.However, Illinois State stayed within striking distance, refusing to let the game slip away.The turning point came in the final minutes,as the Redbirds rallied to seize the lead and secure the victory.

Key Performances Fuel Redbird victory

Sophomore guard Chase Walker led the charge for the Redbirds, delivering a dominant performance with a game-high 27 points. Walker’s ability to score both inside and outside proved crucial,as he connected on 10-of-16 field goals while also grabbing eight rebounds.

“It was a team effort, but Chase really stepped up tonight,” said one Redbird fan, echoing the sentiment of many in attendance. “He was unstoppable down the stretch.”

Joining Walker in the spotlight was sophomore forward Ty Pence, who recorded his first collegiate double-double with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Pence’s energy and versatility were instrumental in the Redbirds’ success, providing a spark on both ends of the court. Sophomore guard Johnny Kinziger contributed 13 points, making the sophomore trio responsible for 55 of the team’s 78 points.Senior guard Dalton Banks also played a pivotal role,dishing out a game-high five assists and adding to his steal total. Banks now boasts 62 steals on the season, securing his place as third all-time in school history for single-season steals. The Redbirds’ ball movement was key to their offensive success, as they recorded 12 assists against just 10 turnovers, marking the 26th time this season they’ve achieved a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.

Game Recap: A Battle of Runs and Resilience

UIW came out strong, taking an early lead and dictating the pace of the game. The Cardinals maintained their advantage for the first nine minutes, but the Redbirds fought back to take their first lead on a Walker free throw with 10:11 remaining in the first half. UIW responded with a five-point run, regaining the lead and holding onto it heading into halftime, with ISU trailing 34-31.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair,featuring eight tie scores and nine lead changes. Neither team was able to gain a significant advantage until the final minutes, when the Redbirds made a crucial push. Trailing by two with 1:24 to play, Walker converted on a put-back and then a lay-in to put the Birds ahead for good. Two free throws each from Walker, Kinziger, and Banks sealed the victory for ISU.Statistical Breakdown: Inside the Numbers

The Redbirds shot 43.6% from the field (24-of-55), 29.4% from three-point range (5-of-17),and 75.8% from the free-throw line (25-of-33). UIW was held to 39.7% shooting (23-of-58) and struggled from beyond the arc, making just 20.0% of their three-point attempts (3-of-15).

UIW was led by dylan Hayman, who scored 24 points, while Jalin Anderson added 16 and Jordan Pyke contributed 13.

Looking Ahead: Championship Showdown Awaits

The Redbirds will now face Cleveland State on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 4 PM (CT), with the CBI championship on the line. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and WJBC AM 1230 / FM 102.1 / The Varsity Network.

“We’re excited for the prospect to compete for a championship,” said Coach Ryan Pedon. “We certainly know Cleveland State will be a tough opponent,but we’re confident in our ability to execute our game plan and come out with a win.”

Recent Developments and Insights:

Momentum Shift: the Redbirds’ late-game surge demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure, a crucial asset heading into the championship game.
Sophomore Surge: The outstanding performance of sophomores Walker,Pence,and Kinziger suggests a bright future for the Redbirds program. Their development throughout the season has been noticeable, and their contributions in the CBI tournament highlight their potential.
Defensive Adjustments: Holding UIW to under 40% shooting is a testament to the Redbirds’ defensive focus and execution. Continuing this defensive intensity will be critical in the championship game.
Fan Engagement: The Redbirds’ success in the CBI tournament has generated significant excitement among fans,boosting morale and creating a positive atmosphere around the program.
Media Coverage: The Redbirds’ run in the CBI tournament has garnered national media attention, raising the profile of the program and attracting potential recruits.
Player development: The increased minutes and responsibility given to players like Pence and Kinziger during the tournament have accelerated their development and prepared them for future challenges.

Practical applications and U.S.Implications:

The Redbirds’ success in the CBI tournament provides a case study in team dynamics,perseverance,and clutch performance. Thes lessons can be applied to various fields,including business,leadership,and personal development.

Building a Strong Team Culture: The Redbirds’ ability to overcome adversity and work together as a team demonstrates the importance of fostering a positive and supportive team culture.
Developing Leadership Skills: The emergence of Walker, Pence, and Banks as leaders on the court showcases the value of nurturing leadership qualities within a team.
Embracing Challenges: the Redbirds’ willingness to embrace challenges and compete against tough opponents has been instrumental in their success.
Setting Goals and Achieving Them: The Redbirds’ goal of winning the CBI championship has motivated them to work hard and push themselves to the limit.

Key Quotes:

“It was a team effort, but Chase really stepped up tonight,” said one Redbird fan.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to compete for a championship,” said Coach Ryan Pedon. “We know Cleveland State will be a tough opponent, but we’re confident in our ability to execute our game plan and come out with a win.”

Team Notes:

Illinois state used a starting lineup of Jack Daugherty,Dalton Banks,jordan Davis,Johnny Kinziger,and Chase Walker. This marks the sixth time this season that ISU has used this starting lineup combination.
The Redbirds won the opening tip.
The first points of the game came from Chase walker on a jumper with 18:52 to play in the first half. It was the 14th time he scored ISU’s first points of the game this season.
The first subs for Illinois State were Caden Boser and Ty Pence with 15:19 to play in the first half.
UIW led 34-31 at the half.

Dalton Banks moved into sole possession of third place in single-season steals in school history with 62 on the season.
Johnny Kinziger scored in double-figures for the 29th time this season and 42nd time in his collegiate career.
Ty Pence recorded his first collegiate double-double with 15 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. He was 6-of-11 from the field, and made his only three-point attempt and his only two free throw tries.
* Chase Walker scored in double-figures for the 25th time this season. He reached the 20-point plateau for his second straight game, and 11th time this season. His 27 points is tied for the second-highest scoring game of his career.

The Redbirds’ journey to the CBI Championship Game is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. As they prepare to face Cleveland State, they carry the hopes and dreams of their fans and the entire illinois State community.

What specific strategies did the Illinois State Redbirds’ coaching staff employ to help the team build a strong team culture and contribute to their success in the CBI tournament?

Redbirds Soar to CBI Championship: An Interview with Analyst Chris Morgan

Archyde News: Welcome, Chris, and thanks for joining us. The Illinois State Redbirds’ incredible run to the CBI Championship Game has everyone talking. You’ve been following their season closely. Can you give us your initial thoughts?

Chris Morgan: Absolutely, it’s been a thrilling ride. The Redbirds showed incredible grit to defeat UIW. Their late-game execution was something special.

Archyde News: Chase Walker had a phenomenal performance, leading the team with 27 points. How crucial was his performance and that of his fellow sophomores?

Chris Morgan: Walker’s performance was monumental. He was unstoppable down the stretch. The emergence of Walker, Pence, and Kinziger as a dominant sophomore trio has been key. Their progress throughout the season and their performance in the CBI tournament signal a shining future for the program.

Archyde News: The game against UIW was a battle of runs. What did the Redbirds do well to secure the victory?

Chris Morgan: They kept their composure, even when trailing. Their ball movement was key. Banks’ assists were, and they were able to hold UIW to under 40% shooting, a testament to their defensive focus.

Archyde News: Senior guard Dalton Banks is also making history. How important is his leadership?

Chris Morgan: Dalton Banks’ experience and leadership are also very important to winning. He is a steadying presence on the court, with 62 steals on the season. He is a vital part of the team.

Archyde News: looking ahead to the championship against Cleveland State on March 26th. how does Illinois state match up?

Chris Morgan: Cleveland State will be a tough opponent. But the Redbirds have momentum and confidence. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and get another strong performance from the sophomores, they have a real chance to win the CBI championship, according to Coach Pedon.

Archyde News: The team’s success frequently enough reflects on the strength of the coaching staff. What do you think has been the most important coaching aspect of the tournament?

chris Morgan: Absolutely, a great team often reflects a great coaching staff. What I find especially intriguing is the coaching staff’s strategy to build a strong team culture through the combination of both building a sense of resilience and developing these young players while they play together. Their success will ultimately come down to their strategic ability to help the team.

Archyde News: Chris, in your opinion, what single factor will be the most critical for the Redbirds to win the CBI championship?

Chris Morgan: I believe it’s their ability to maintain their focus and execute their game plan under pressure. Championship games come down to who can handle the pressure the best, so focusing on the mindset of these players will be key.

Archyde News: Chris Morgan, thank you very much for sharing your expert insights with us. We appreciate your time.

Chris Morgan: My pleasure. I wish the Redbirds the very best in the championship game. Now,how do you think the team will pull through?

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, the situation in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region has deteriorated significantly. The expectation among pro-Russian residents that annexation by the Russian Federation would improve their lives has proven false; instead, conditions have worsened considerably.

A critical issue in the so-called “DPR” is the severe water shortage. Despite promises from occupation authorities and Russian officials that annexation would bring relief, the problem persists.

In Donetsk, for example, water is often available only on a limited schedule. One resident told OBOZ.UA, It comes out in a thin, rusty, smelly stream. You can only use it to flush the toilet; it’s too scary to wash with.We have to use homemade filters, and we’re washing clothes by hand, having long forgotten about washing machines. pushilin keeps saying things will improve,but we haven’t seen any changes in three years.

Adding to the crisis, some homes have been without water for three years, forcing elderly residents to carry water up flights of stairs without elevators. this mirrors water infrastructure challenges seen in some neglected areas of the U.S., such as the ongoing struggles in Flint, Michigan, where residents faced prolonged exposure to contaminated water due to systemic failures.

Local frustration extends to gas stations, where poor fuel quality is now considered the norm, along with inoperable restrooms.One social media user posted, The toilets at the gas stations in the DPR don’t work. What kind of neglect is this? It’s one thing if it were just one or two stations, but it’s all of them. And this has been going on for over a year. They’re making money hand over fist, but they can’t even provide basic services.

Gas station employees attribute the issue to the lack of water. While coffee, tea, and food are still sold, customers are forced to relieve themselves outside, leading to unsanitary conditions. This situation highlights a stark contrast to the expectation of clean and accessible facilities at gas stations across the United States, where hygiene standards are generally maintained.Another major problem in the occupied Donetsk region is garbage accumulation. The regional center has become a vast landfill, with piles of garbage even in central areas.

This has led to a surge in the rat population in Donetsk. Residents report that the rodents walk around boldly and aren’t afraid of anyone.

Many rats have infested the basements of apartment buildings, and no effective pest control measures are being taken. One Donetsk resident lamented, Of course, money is allocated for this, but the results are clear for everyone to see. These rats will outlive us all.

Meanwhile, the authorities claim that the situation has improved, with half as many complaints about garbage.

however, residents say they have simply stopped reporting the issue because they see no improvement. This echoes the sentiment of disenfranchised communities in the U.S. who feel their concerns about local infrastructure and sanitation are ignored by local governments.Adding to the residents’ woes, utility rates have increased. As of July 1, 2025, garbage collection fees are up by 36%, and water supply costs have risen by 31%, while electricity rates have increased by 17%. These increases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, mirroring concerns about rising utility costs and their impact on low-income households in the U.S.

The cost of groceries in the “republic” is also on the rise. Yes, prices are controlled for some items, like bread. But the bread is meager. Meat and dairy products are more expensive,but the quality is terrible. Store shelves are now full of Russian products that spoil even before their expiration date, said a resident of Donetsk.

This is happening despite the absence of summer heat, which could at least partially explain the spoilage. The quality is also questionable,with Russian manufacturers adding excessive amounts of thickeners to products like kefir,yogurt,and sour cream,requiring consumers to shake the products vigorously before use. Russia is profiting at our expense and treating us poorly, residents complain.

In local social media groups, Russian media outlets post optimistic news about cheaper imported vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish soon becoming available. They also claim that new clothes and shoes may become cheaper by the fall.However, residents of the occupied Donetsk region are highly skeptical of these forecasts.

Comments include: And will cemetery plots also become cheaper?, Nothing will become cheaper here, except for human life,, They need to be held accountable for spreading such lies,, and It’s not even funny. This skepticism parallels the distrust many Americans feel towards government promises and economic forecasts that don’t align with their lived experiences.

Residents also express concerns about the prevalence of alcoholics and drug addicts occupying courtyards and playgrounds.

One pro-Russian resident of the “DPR” wrote, In Makiivka, at 103/4 Donetsk Highway, “hazy” parties are happening daily, around the clock.It seems that only alcoholics and drug addicts feel good in our republic! They don’t work, they don’t serve, they terrorize the mothers and wives of those who are defending the homeland in the trenches…Why aren’t they arrested for violations, hooliganism, and so on?

Local residents claim that the presence of drugs has increased significantly since Russia’s arrival in the occupied Donbass cities. We were waiting for civilization? Now we are “enjoying” it, one Donetsk resident quipped. Many reference the perceived order that existed under Zakharchenko,the first leader of the Republic,who was assassinated in a Donetsk cafe.

The “Russian world” is now on full display in the region, with no end in sight.The situation reflects a broader pattern of neglect and deterioration in Russian-occupied territories, highlighting the stark contrast between the promised improvements and the grim reality faced by residents. This situation offers a sobering reflection on the importance of stable governance, infrastructure, and social services, issues that resonate not only in war-torn regions but also in underserved communities within the United States.

What are teh long-term repercussions of the deteriorating infrastructure and social conditions in Russian-occupied Donetsk?

Archyde News Interview: Deteriorating Conditions in Russian-Occupied Donetsk

Interviewer: Welcome to Archyde News. Today, we have Dr. Anya Petrova,a sociologist specializing in post-conflict societies and infrastructure,to discuss the dire situation in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region. Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me.

The Water crisis – A Symptom of Systemic Failure

Interviewer: The situation in Donetsk seems to be rapidly deteriorating. Let’s start with the basic issue of water scarcity. What’s the core of this problem?

Dr. Petrova: The water shortage is indeed critical. It’s not just a lack of water; it is a breakdown of infrastructure coupled with a lack of effective governance and accountability. Promises of improvement after annexation have clearly not been met, leaving residents with sporadic, inadequate water supply that is frequently enough unsafe.

Interviewer: We’ve seen reports echoing issues similar to Flint, Michigan, where water quality became a serious health concern. Is there a comparison to be made here?

Dr. Petrova: Absolutely.Both situations highlight systemic failures. in both, the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by poor infrastructure and lack of access to basic services. The lack of clean water has a severe impact on public health and everyday life, from hygiene to sanitation.

garbage, Rats, and the Erosion of Public Services

Interviewer: Beyond water, the accumulation of garbage and the surge in rat populations are also meaningful concerns. How does this impact residents?

Dr. Petrova: It severely impacts quality of life. The unsanitary conditions contribute to disease and lower living standards. when basic services like waste management fail, it signifies a broader breakdown of social order and trust in the authorities.

Interviewer: Utility costs are rising, adding yet another layer of hardship. Do you see a parallel situation in the U.S.?

Dr. Petrova: Yes, the rising utility costs echo concerns in many US communities where low-income households struggle to afford basic services. This is only compounded by the failure of governments either to provide a basic service or provide a service that is dependable, wich is vital for the well-being of the community.

Fuel, Food, and the Broken Promises of Annexation

Interviewer: The poor fuel quality and non-functional gas station restrooms are striking. This contrasts greatly with US standards. Why is this significant?

Dr. Petrova: These are symbolic of the overall situation. A lack of basic care points to a lack of prioritization for the needs of local residents. The fact that even gas stations, which often serve as a symbol of modernity and ease, cannot provide these basic amenities showcases the neglect in the region. Food shortages and poor quality adds to the misery.

Interviewer: Residents are skeptical about the economic promises made by the occupying forces.Is such skepticism a common outcome in these situations?

Dr. Petrova: It’s very common. When promises are repeatedly broken and the lived reality contradicts official narratives, trust erodes. Residents have lost faith in the claimed economic benefits of annexation and are facing hardship, which breeds resentment and disillusionment.

Broader Implications and the Future of Donetsk

Interviewer: what are the broader societal implications of these conditions, particularly regarding substance abuse and social order?

Dr. Petrova: The increase in substance abuse, combined with the absence of effective policing or social support, signals a breakdown of social cohesion. This can lead to increased crime, domestic violence, and an overall deterioration of community life.

Interviewer: It is said that there is no end in sight but with these conditions worsening in the occupied territories, what are the long-term repercussions?

Dr. Petrova: The long-term repercussions are devastating. Without stable governance, reliable infrastructure, and adequate social services, rebuilding the region will be incredibly challenging, particularly after the devastation of conflict. The loss of trust,the physical and psychological impact on the residents,will take generations to heal.

interviewer: Dr. Petrova, thank you for shedding light on this critical situation. Given the parallels to issues within the U.S., what is one critical measure that you believe governments should prioritize to address similar challenges within our own communities?

Dr. Petrova: prioritizing open interaction with local communities is fundamental. Addressing problems,such as infrastructure decay,starts with the community involved. Involving residents in decision-making processes and ensuring accountability are vital. Addressing those basic needs empowers those within the community, allowing them to participate in the decisions that affect their everyday life.

Interviewer: Thank you.