The Illinois State Redbirds were eliminated from the NIT semifinals by the top-seeded Auburn Tigers, losing 88-66. This marked the Redbirds' first semifinal appearance in the program's history. Despite a competitive first half, where ISU trailed by 13 points at halftime, Auburn extended its lead significantly in the second half, leading by as many as 24 points. Ty'Reek Coleman led the Redbirds with 17 points, contributing to their best season performance in the NIT.

By the Numbers
  • Auburn shot 65.6% from the field in the first half, while Illinois State shot 57.1%.
  • This was the Redbirds' 10th game this season with the same starting lineup.
  • Ty'Reek Coleman's 350 points this season ranks third for a freshman in program history.
State of Play
  • The Redbirds are now 10-10 all-time against SEC schools.
  • This loss marked Illinois State's furthest advancement in the NIT to date.
  • Chase Walker and Ty Pence each contributed 13 points, maintaining strong scoring performances in recent games.
What's Next

As the season concludes, ISU will look to build on their NIT performance, focusing on player development and recruitment for the next season. With strong performances from freshmen, the team could improve and aim for a deeper tournament run in the future.

Bottom Line

The Redbirds' historic semifinal run showcases the progress of the program this season. While the loss is disappointing, the experience gained could serve as a foundation for future success, with notable contributions from young players signaling a promising direction ahead.