ISU Visits Missouri State on MVC TV Tuesday

Jan. 10, 2011

Illinois State doesn't have any time to dwell on its loss to Indiana State, as the Redbirds visit preseason MVC favorite Missouri State Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. The game is the MVC Game of the Week, featured on Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Sports Kansas City, Fox College Sports and Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

The game features the top-two scoring offenses in the Valley and the teams combined for 307 points in the two meetings last season. Missouri State also leads the Valley in scoring defense (59.6 ppg), rebounding margin (+6.1) and blocks (6.4 bpg).

Illinois State has won eight-consecutive games over the Lady Bears, including two wins at JQH Arena.

REDBIRDS-LADY BEARS SERIES
Missouri State leads the all-time series with Illinois State, 30-28. The two teams have met annually since 1984. ISU won 12 of the first 15 meetings. From 1991-2005, Missouri State posted a 26-6 record against the Redbirds, including a string of 11-consecutive wins. An upset win for the Redbirds in the 2005 MVC Tournament started a 10-1 streak over the Lady Bears. ISU has won eight-consecutive in the series, sweeping the last four season series. Last season, the Redbirds beat Missouri State 81-72 on the road and 82-72 at home.

LAST TIME OUT
A hot start by Indiana State and Illinois State's worst offensive performance of the season snapped the Redbirds' five-game winning streak. Indiana State handed ISU its first MVC loss of the season, 74-55. The Sycamores broke out to a 19-2 lead to start the game, as ISU shot just 1-for-14 from the field. Once the Redbird offense got going, a three-pointer pulled them within seven, but Indiana State answered with 10-straight points to maintain control. Indiana State led by as many as 22 in the game. Indiana State shot 48.9 percent from the field and 95.7 percent from the free throw line, making all 13 free throws in the first half.

ROAD WOES
This season, Illinois State has posted a perfect 7-0 record at Redbird Arena. The struggles for the Redbirds have come on the road, where they have a record of 3-4. The Redbirds are averaging 70.1 points per game in road games, as opposed to 78.7 points per game at home. ISU's defense is also showing a significant drop off on the road, allowing 71.7 points per game and a 42.4 field goal percentage to opponents. At home, Redbird opponents are scoring 63.6 points per game and shooting 37.8 percent.

REDBIRD OFFENSE HITS A ROAD BLOCK
Illinois State entered its game at Indiana State on a five-game winning streak and its best offensive stretch of the season, averaging 72.8 points per game. The winning streak and offensive supremacy came to an end in the 74-55 loss. ISU was held under 60 points and had just one player score in double-figures for the first time on the season. The Redbirds started the game shooting 1-for-14 from the field and shot a season-low 29.9 percent in the game.

TAKING CARE OF THE ROCK
So far this season, Illinois State has struggled taking care of the basketball, averaging 14.6 turnovers per game. The Redbirds have committed double-digit turnovers in every game except the win over UAB, when they had nine. Redbird opponents are taking full advantage of the miscues, averaging 14.6 points off turnovers per game. The Redbirds are forcing their opponents into just as many miscues, averaging ISU is averaging 16.6 turnovers forced and 7.6 steals per game in the last six games. Northern Iowa came into its game against ISU ranked second in the nation with only 12.6 turnovers per game. ISU forced the Panthers into 19 turnovers and scored 23 points off those turnovers.