The Illinois State men's basketball team made history by advancing to the NIT Semifinals for the first time ever after defeating the Dayton Flyers, 61-55. The Redbirds surged ahead with a strong start, leading by as many as 19 points in the second half before fending off a late run from Dayton. This win marks the Redbirds' ninth game with the same starting lineup, and they continue their impressive postseason momentum with six consecutive victories.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois State scored the first 13 points of the game.
  • Chase Walker became the 48th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points.
Yes, But

Despite the victory, the Redbirds allowed Dayton to cut a significant lead to just five points late in the game, indicating potential vulnerabilities as they advance in the tournament.

State of Play
  • Illinois State has the longest active postseason win streak in the NCAA with six consecutive wins.
  • The Redbirds will face either Auburn or Nevada in the NIT Semifinal on April 2.
What's Next

With their next matchup against Auburn or Nevada, the Redbirds are positioned to capitalize on their current momentum as they aim for their first NIT championship appearance.

Bottom Line

Illinois State's historic run in the NIT highlights not only their competitive spirit but also sets the stage for a pivotal semifinal, showcasing their ability to contend against formidable opponents.