at Belmont - 02/04/2023 - 4:00 PM - ESPN3

[ISU86]

The Redbirds travel to Nashville to face the Bruins at the Curb Event Center.

ISU stands at ninth place in conference at 5-8 (10-14 overall) whereas BU is in a four-way tie for first place in conference at 9-4 (16-8 overall).

The 'birds are led in scoring by Darius Burford (11.7), rebounding by Kendall Lewis (7.1) and assists by Malachai Poindexter (2.1); Seneca Knight (11.5) and Lewis (10.5) also average in double-digits; the Rebels (until 1995-1996 season) are led in scoring and rebounds by Ben Sheppard (19.5, 5.4) and assists by Keishawn Davidson (4.4); Cade Tyson (13.2) and Drew Friberg (12.0) also average double-digits. Both teams generally go eleven deep on any given night.

According to NET Ranking, Illinois State (253) toughest opponent was Bradley (77, loss), their best win was against Southern Illinois (110) and their worst loss was to Valparaiso (286); Belmont (129) toughest opponent was Bradley (77, two wins) and their worst loss was to Illinois State (253).

At this point in the season, there are more common opponents than not (although no common non-conference opposition); as far as strengths, ISU's is only in rebounding and free-throw percentage.

The 'birds won the first match-up at CEFCU Arena, 87-77.

Belmont has suffered consecutive losses to Drake and Murray State, and Illinois State coming off another overtime game where Luke Kasubke, Lewis and Poindexter all logged over thirty-eight minutes (not to mention the (potential) lack of availability of Colton Sandage), translates to this one not setting up well. Slowing the pace down in order to limit fouls and possessions, plus dominating the boards, may be our best hope.

Bruiser 72, Reggie 66

 

[ISU86]

Illinois State +9.5

Over / Under 139

 

[SlackBooDom]

Belmont 79 ISU 63

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Someone has to pick the Birds:
Illinois State 72
Belmont 71

 

[Phantom]

Tough task. Like every game in this goofy season, it's stealable. But idk. Keep playing hard, protect the ball, get to the line, see what happens.

 

[Redbird222]

Some thoughts from Belmont's coach

 

[Redbird222]

We had an unbelievable start to the second half against Belmont in the first game. We went 10 for 12 including 7 for 7 from 3. I don't think that's repeatable.

Belmont poses a problem defensively for us. They are incredibly efficient team and shoot the 3 at almost 40%. Shepard is a multi faceted player.

They are not a great defensive team or rebounding team. We have been a good rebounding team and hopefully we can get control the boards against them.

Last time we won a shooting match but I think our defense needs to rise to the occasion this game or we may struggle.

 

[Sladerunningbear]

Slade will be in attendance. I’ll be the one in red cowboy boots, a Dolly Parton Redbirds crop top, a Slade With No Name poncho and a Gene Autry 10 gallon hat, holding up a sign that says, “Still room in my Arch Madness Suite for additional Sugar Bears.”

Redbirds 74
Bruins 73

 

[ISU86]

on another front, watching Evansville @ UIC. Ugh! Not only poor ball, but the only folks in the stands may be the parents of kids who were playing ... during halftime!

The UIC Pavilion is empty!!

 

[Bird Friend]

Slade will be in attendance. I’ll be the one in red cowboy boots, a Dolly Parton Redbirds crop top, a Slade With No Name poncho and a Gene Autry 10 gallon hat, holding up a sign that says, “Still room in my Arch Madness Suite for additional Sugar Bears.”

Redbirds 74
Bruins 73

Boots and a crop top . . . no pants?

 

[Popsto4]

The Redbirds travel to Nashville to face the Bruins at the Curb Event Center.

ISU stands at ninth place in conference at 5-8 (10-14 overall) whereas BU is in a four-way tie for first place in conference at 9-4 (16-8 overall).

The 'birds are led in scoring by Darius Burford (11.7), rebounding by Kendall Lewis (7.1) and assists by Malachai Poindexter (2.1); Seneca Knight (11.5) and Lewis (10.5) also average in double-digits; the Rebels (until 1995-1996 season) are led in scoring and rebounds by Ben Sheppard (19.5, 5.4) and assists by Keishawn Davidson (4.4); Cade Tyson (13.2) and Drew Friberg (12.0) also average double-digits. Both teams generally go eleven deep on any given night.

According to NET Ranking, Illinois State (253) toughest opponent was Bradley (77, loss), their best win was against Southern Illinois (110) and their worst loss was to Valparaiso (286); Belmont (129) toughest opponent was Bradley (77, two wins) and their worst loss was to Illinois State (253).

At this point in the season, there are more common opponents than not (although no common non-conference opposition); as far as strengths, ISU's is only in rebounding and free-throw percentage.

The 'birds won the first match-up at CEFCU Arena, 87-77.

Belmont has suffered consecutive losses to Drake and Murray State, and Illinois State coming off another overtime game where Luke Kasubke, Lewis and Poindexter all logged over thirty-eight minutes (not to mention the (potential) lack of availability of Colton Sandage), translates to this one not setting up well. Slowing the pace down in order to limit fouls and possessions, plus dominating the boards, may be our best hope.

Bruiser 72, Reggie 66

Me and the fam is sitting in section J 114

 

[Bird Friend]

Two early fouls on Mal . . .

 

[Redbird82]

Poindexter with 2 fouls before the first timeout is not a good way to victory

 

[ILLST25]

Cover my eyes

 

[Bird Friend]

15-0 run for Belmont . . . offense is really disjointed, defense is absent.

 

[ISU86]

Belmont second chance opportunities killing us.

 

[Redbird82]

Offense recovered, but can’t stop them

 

[Adunk33]

Who had a lineup of DB, Mal, Luke, Jayden and Sen on their Ryan Pedon year 1 bingo card?

Malcolm Miller and Jayden playing together. Sissoko and Kotov out there together…just can’t really have that.

There’s been a ton of contact down low, hopefully some of those whistles start going the Birds way.

If you told me they held Belmont to 1 three in the first half, I’d think ISU would be up a few.

 

[Redbird82]

Sycs hit 19 3’s and blew out Murray by almost 45

 

[cubird]

Offensive rebounds are kiiling us +9. Liam looks like a limp rag out there. Only if Coach P could have kept Howie. A point guard that could see over the defense to pass, defender, and rebound the ball, and only a junior. Playing 2 walk on guards at the same time is ....