Image Courtesy of Illinois State Men’s Basketball

NORMAL, Ill. -Illinois State men’s basketball tipped off the new season on the road Thursday night, heading to Athens to take on the Ohio Bobcats. It’s the first look at a fresh Redbird roster, and they came into the Convocation Center hoping to start the year with a statement win away from home- and while ISU showed plenty of fight, they ultimately came up just short, falling 72–68 in a tight season opener.

The game was a back-and-forth battle right from the start. Illinois State traded buckets with the Bobcats through much of the first half, finding energy on both ends of the floor. By halftime, the two sides were deadlocked at 31 apiece, setting the stage for what turned into a tense finish down the stretch.

Senior transfer Boden Skunberg, making his Illinois State debut after four seasons at North Dakota State, led the charge for the Redbirds. Skunberg showcased his veteran presence and scoring touch, pacing the team offensively and setting the tone with his effort on both ends.

As a team, the Redbirds shot 43.5 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. But it was the small details that made the difference — Illinois State committed 11 turnovers, while Ohio turned it over just eight times, helping the Bobcats create a slight edge late in the game.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives for the Redbirds to build on — from the balanced scoring to the defensive intensity that kept them within striking distance all night. Head coach Ryan Pedon’s squad showed flashes of the identity they’re hoping to establish this season: tough, disciplined, and resilient.

Illinois State now turns its attention to the home opener later this week at CEFCU Arena, where the Redbirds will look to pick up their first win of the season in front of the home crowd.

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