PEORIA, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds saw a spirited second-half comeback fall short Saturday night, dropping a 74-60 decision to Bradley University. Despite trimming an 18-point deficit to just three, the Redbirds couldn’t complete the rally, falling to the Braves in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup.
The loss drops Illinois State to 18-11 overall and 10-8 in conference play, while Bradley improves to 19-10 and 12-6 in the MVC. The Redbirds will appear to rebound quickly as they prepare for a Wednesday night contest against Northern Iowa.
Illinois State’s offense was led by Landon Wolf, who scored 12 points, marking the first time this season he’s led the team in scoring. Wolf’s performance was particularly notable as he reached double-digit points for the sixth time in his last seven games and the ninth time this season, according to team statistics. Mason Klabo also contributed 12 points, setting a career high with five made free throws and grabbing a career-best seven rebounds.
The Redbirds started strong, opening with a 6-2 run, but Bradley quickly responded with a 7-0 surge to take the lead. The Braves extended their advantage throughout the first half, leading by as many as 15 points and taking a 43-31 lead into halftime. Bradley continued to build on its lead early in the second half, pushing the margin to 18 before Illinois State mounted its comeback attempt.
Second-Half Surge Not Enough
Fueled by a 14-0 run, Illinois State dramatically cut into Bradley’s lead, bringing the score within three points at 60-57 following a three-pointer from Jack Daugherty with 6:07 remaining. However, the Redbirds were unable to sustain the momentum, as Bradley closed the game on a 14-3 run to secure the victory.
ISU head coach, whose name is Ben Jacobson, will be looking for a bounce-back performance from his team as they head to Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Panthers currently hold a 10-8 conference record, tied with Illinois State, and a 18-11 overall record, according to the Northern Iowa Panthers’ team page.
Key Statistics and Notes
- The Redbirds started with a lineup of Mason Klabo, Landon Wolf, Johnny Kinziger, Brandon Lieb, and Boden Skunberg.
- Illinois State wore its throwback red uniform for the 12th time this season.
- Brandon Lieb scored the first points of the game for ISU on a dunk.
- Landon Wolf’s 12 points marked his ninth game with multiple three-point baskets since December 29.
- Mason Klabo’s seven rebounds were a career high, and he led the team in rebounding for the first time.
- Ty Pence added 11 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field.
- Johnny Kinziger dished out five assists, his 17th game this season with at least three assists.
Up Next: Road Trip to Northern Iowa
Illinois State will take a four-day break before traveling to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face the Northern Iowa Panthers on Wednesday, February 25th, at 6 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU. Fans can also listen to the game on WJBC AM 1230, 98.9 FM WJEZ, and The Varsity Network. ESPN has live coverage of the game, including score updates and stats.
The Panthers are currently 10-8 in Missouri Valley Conference play, tied with Illinois State, and 18-11 overall. The matchup promises to be a crucial contest as both teams vie for positioning in the conference standings. The Redbirds will need to replicate their second-half intensity and improve their shooting consistency to secure a victory on the road.
What comes next for the Illinois State Redbirds will depend on their performance against Northern Iowa and the outcomes of other conference games. The team’s ability to execute offensively and defensively will be key as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
Share your thoughts on the Redbirds’ performance and predictions for the upcoming game in the comments below!