Chase Walker’s tremendous performance secures Illinois State men’s basketball a ticket to the CBI Championship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bloomington-Normal has been enamored by the performances of Chase Walker this season. His performance against the University of the Incarnate Word on Tuesday in the College Basketball Invitational Semifinals gave the Redbird faithful another reason to believe he will become a school legend. 

Behind Walker’s 27 points and eight rebounds, Illinois State men’s basketball defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals 78-73, advancing to the CBI finals. 

With 1:24 remaining in the second-half, Dylan Hayman hit a 3-pointer, extending the Cardinals' lead to 70-68. 

With the season on the line, Walker put the pressure of the world into his hands and delivered greatness for ISU. 

Walker scored six consecutive points while stopping two layup attempts from UIW. Hayman hit another 3-pointer with 22 seconds remaining. However, free throws from Johnny Kinziger and Dalton Banks secured the victory for Illinois State. 

While Walker played the role of Batman, Ty Pence played the role of Robin. The sidekick recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, including a massive alley-oop that left the rim and the Ocean Center shaking. 

Despite the picture-perfect finish to the game, it was not always a beautiful display from Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon and his players. ISU finished the first-half shooting 3-of-10 from the 3-point line and 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. While the 3-point shooting did not improve in the second-half, the Redbirds put on their hard caps and constructed a better performance from the free-throw line, shooting 21-of-25.

ISU improved its record to 21-14 and its neutral record to 4-3 following the victory against the Cardinals. 

The last time Illinois State men’s basketball won a championship was 1998, when the Redbirds were victorious in the Missouri Valley Conference championship against Southwest Missouri State. 

At 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Ocean Center, Illinois State men’s basketball has the opportunity to become champions once again. The Redbirds will go against the winners of Florida Gulf Coast University/Cleveland State University in a game that will be broadcast on ESPN2.