Illinois State secured a thrilling 78-75 victory against Wake Forest in the NIT quarterfinals, marked by Johnny Kinziger's game-winning three-pointer just seconds before the final buzzer. Despite trailing by nine points on two occasions, the Redbirds rallied behind standout performances from Kinziger, who scored 19 points, and Ty Pence, who recorded a career-high 23 points. This win not only advances ISU to the next round but also marks their first victory over an ACC opponent since 2006. The Redbirds have now achieved at least two NIT wins for the first time in nearly three decades.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois State scored 15 of the next 19 points to take a brief lead at 24-22.
  • Ty Pence's 23 points set a new career-high, while Kinziger scored 19, climbing to 1,182 career points.
State of Play
  • The Redbirds will face the Dayton Flyers in the next round of the NIT on March 25.
  • This victory secured ISU's fifth consecutive postseason tournament win.
What's Next

Illinois State will look to build momentum against Dayton, where a win could propel them further in the tournament. The team is confident and riding a wave of positive energy after this significant victory.

Bottom Line

The Redbirds demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming adversity against Wake Forest, signaling their capability to compete at higher levels. Expect this momentum to carry forward, as they aim for continued success in the NIT.