PEORIA, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds fought back from an 18-point second-half deficit to within three points, but ultimately fell to Bradley University 74-60 on Saturday night. The loss drops Illinois State to 18-11 on the season, while Bradley improves to 19-10. Despite a strong offensive showing from five players scoring at least seven points, the Redbirds couldn’t overcome a dominant performance from Bradley in the first half and a late surge that sealed the victory.
The game began competitively, with Illinois State scoring the first six points and briefly leading 7-5. However, Bradley quickly responded with a seven-point run of their own, establishing a lead they would maintain for the majority of the contest. The Braves extended their advantage to as many as 15 points in the first half, taking a 43-31 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Redbirds struggled to contain Bradley’s offense, which shot 51% from the field in the first half.
Second-Half Comeback Falls Short
Bradley continued to build on their lead early in the second half, pushing the margin to 18 points with 10:58 remaining in the game. Facing a significant deficit, Illinois State mounted a determined comeback, fueled by a 14-0 run over a four-minute span. A three-pointer from Jack Daugherty brought the Redbirds within three points, at 60-57, with 6:07 left to play. This marked the closest Illinois State would acquire to regaining the lead, as Bradley responded with a crucial run of their own to regain control.
Wolf Leads Redbirds in Scoring
Landon Wolf led the Redbirds in scoring for the first time this season, finishing with 12 points, including two three-pointers. He reached double-digit points for the sixth time in his last seven games and the ninth time this year. Mason Klabo also contributed 12 points, setting a career high with five made free throws and grabbing a career-best seven rebounds. Ty Pence added 11 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field. Johnny Kinziger dished out five assists, his 17th game this season with 3+ assists, and his third straight contest with that output.
Key Statistics and Lineup Notes
- Illinois State started with the lineup of Mason Klabo, Landon Wolf, Johnny Kinziger, Brandon Lieb, and Boden Skunberg. This was the third game this season with this particular starting five.
- The Redbirds wore their throwback red uniform for the 12th time this season.
- Illinois State won the opening tip.
- Brandon Lieb scored the first points of the game for Illinois State with a dunk at the 19:48 mark of the first half, marking the third consecutive game he has opened the scoring for the Redbirds.
Up Next: Road Trip to Northern Iowa
Illinois State will return to the road after a four-day break, traveling to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face the Northern Iowa Panthers on Wednesday, February 25th. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT tip-off and will be broadcast on ESPNU. Fans can also listen to the game on WJBC AM 1230, 98.9 FM WJEZ, and The Varsity Network. Historical data between the two teams is available on the Illinois State Athletics website.
The Redbirds will look to rebound against a Northern Iowa team that recently defeated Southern Illinois 59-57 on February 21, 2026, according to ESPN. Illinois State will need to replicate their second-half intensity and improve their consistency to secure a victory on the road against a tough Missouri Valley Conference opponent.
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