Illinois State Redbirds Dominate Chicago State, Extend Win Streak to Seven Games
Illinois State basketball showcased a commanding performance Saturday night, defeating the Chicago State Cougars 90-53 at CEFCU Arena and continuing a remarkable seven-game winning streak. The Redbirds’ victory was fueled by a near triple-double performance from Chase Walker and a dominant team effort on both ends of the court.
Redbirds Surge to Early Lead
The Redbirds established control from the opening tip, scoring the first 10 points of the game and quickly building an insurmountable lead. Consecutive runs of 8-0 and 13-0 propelled Illinois State to a 45-13 advantage by halftime. According to reports, the team’s offensive efficiency was exceptional, making their first six shots, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Walker’s All-Around Performance Leads the Way
Chase Walker delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high nine assists. His near triple-double highlighted the Redbirds’ ball movement and overall team play. “Walker’s ability to facilitate and contribute across the stat sheet is a key component of our success,” a team spokesperson noted.
Beyond Walker, Boden Skunberg contributed 16 points, reaching double figures for the sixth time this season and the 63rd time in his career. Johnny Kinziger added 11 points, his ninth double-digit scoring game of the year, while Mason Klabo also reached double figures with 16 points, continuing a recent scoring surge. Brandon Lieb also made a significant impact, setting a season-high with 11 rebounds.
Dominant Statistics Highlight Redbirds’ Prowess
The Redbirds’ 30 assists were tied for the 14th-most in a single game in program history, demonstrating their commitment to unselfish play. Defensively, Illinois State limited Chicago State to just 13 points in the first half – the fourth-fewest allowed in a half in program history and the second fewest at CEFCU Arena. The team has now scored 80+ points in five games this season.
Notably, Illinois State is undefeated (16-0 all-time) when wearing its throwback white uniforms, including a 5-0 record in the 2025-26 season. The starting lineup of Mason Klabo, Johnny Kinziger, Boden Skunberg, Ty Pence, and Chase Walker has proven particularly effective, boasting a 2-0 record when starting together. Throughout their current seven-game win streak, the Redbirds have trailed for a combined total of just 8 minutes and 59 seconds.
Looking Ahead
Following a week off for final exams, the Illinois State Redbirds will resume competition on Saturday, December 18, traveling to Salt Lake City to face the Utah State Aggies in the Salt Lake Slam at the Delta Center.
