NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State head men's basketball coach Dan Muller has announced the 2021-22 non-conference schedule for the Redbirds.
The schedule – with one date remaining open for a future scheduling opportunity – features 12 games including seven at home, two in Cancun as part of the Cancun Challenge, and three true road games. The Redbirds welcome schools from six different states and have games against teams from 11 different conferences.
November 9 provides the season opener for both Illinois State and visiting UNCW (University of North Carolina Wilmington). The Seahawks, members of the Colonial Athletic Association, went 7-10 in its abbreviated season a year ago. Returning for UNCW is the team's leading scorer – Jaylen Sims – who averaged 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Mike Okauru also returns after averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 66 assists. Illinois State leads the all-time series between the two teams by a 3-2 mark, with the most recent meeting coming in the 2011-12 season.
On November 12 the squad takes to the road for its first game away from Bloomington/Normal with a Friday, contest at Eastern Michigan of the Mid-American Conference. Last season the Eagles finished with a 6-12 record, and the team returns its second-leading scorer in Bryce McBride, who averaged 13.7 points and led the team with 46 assists. Among the newcomers to the squad include guard Monty Scott who averaged 13.7 points per game at Portland State last season. Illinois State and Eastern Michigan have met 30 times previously, with the Redbirds leading the all-time series 22-8 including a 9-5 lead among games played in Ypsilanti.
Four days later – on November 16 – Illinois State hosts Murray State in a rematch of last season's game in Murray, Kentucky. The Racers, who went 13-13 last season, return their top two scorers in KJ Williams – who averaged 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game – and Tevin Brown – who averaged 14.7 points and a team-high 111 assists. Murray State leads the all-time series 4-1, including an even 1-1 mark in games played at Redbird Arena.
November 20 brings Bucknell to Redbird Arena for the on-campus portion of the Cancun Challenge. Last season in 12 games the Bison went 5-7 before falling in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The Bison return guard Andrew Funk, who was second on the team in scoring as he averaged 12.9 points per game, while Xander Rice averaged 10.5 points per game – third-best on the team. Illinois State and Bucknell have met two times previously, with the teams splitting neutral site games in 1991 and 1993.
The Cancun Challenge put the Redbirds on the court against the Saint Louis Billikens on November 23 at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on the first day of the event. Last season the Billikens had a 14-6 overall record, falling in the first round of the NIT to eventual tournament runner-up Mississippi State. Returning for Saint Louis from last season includes Javonte Perkins, a 6-6 wing who averaged 17.1 points per game, while Yuri Collins dished out a team-best 116 assists in 19 games played. The Redbirds lead the all-time series between the two programs by a 7-5 count, while the game will be the first in a neutral site.
The second game in Cancun will see the 'Birds take on either Buffalo or Stephen F. Austin.
Upon returning to the United States, the Redbirds will face off against NCAA Division II Purdue Northwest on November 27, setting the table for a December 4 battle with Jackson State. Last season the Tigers went 12-6 overall, including a stretch in mid-season where JSU won 12 straight games before falling in the SWAC semifinals in overtime. The team returns second-leading scorer Jayveous McKinnis, a 6-7 forward who averaged 12.5 points and a team-best 13.2 rebounds per game – the second-highest rebounding average in the NCAA last season.
The team's second road game follows finals week on December 11, as the team makes the short trek north to visit the Chicago State Cougars for the 24th all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Redbirds holding a 23-1 record in the all-time series and have won each of the last 10 meetings between the schools.
On December 18 the Redbirds welcome Ball State to Normal, as the Cardinals finished last season with a 10-13 overall record. The Cardinals – ravaged by transfers in the offseason – lost their top four scorers, with Luke Bumbalough and Miryne Thomas leading the way among returnees after each averaging 7.3 points per game last season. Ball State holds a narrow 11-10 lead in the all-time series between the two schools after taking last season's match-up in Muncie.
In a return game from the 2019-20 season, UTSA (University of Texas-San Antonio) makes its second-ever trip to Normal to play the Redbirds on December 21. Last season the Roadrunners finished the season with a 15-11 overall record, falling in the quarterfinals in the Conference USA Tournament. Gone from last season is Jhivvan Jackson, whose 2,551 career points was the 50th-most in a career in NCAA history. Back for the Roadrunners is Jacob Germany, who averaged 10.3 points and a team-best 6.0 rebounds per game.
The final non-conference game of the season sends the Redbirds into Wisconsin to face off against the Badgers on December 29. A season ago Wisconsin ended the season with an 18-13 overall record, before falling in the NCAA Tournament to eventual champion Baylor in the second round. Back for the Badgers is Brad Davison who averaged 10 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while Jonathan Davis also returns after averaging seven points per contest. The Badgers hold a narrow lead in the all-time series by a 2-1 margin, including a Wisconsin win in the most recent meeting – on December 5, 1998.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets are available for the 2021-22 season. To purchase tickets, contact the Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 for more information.
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