CBI Game #2 Preview - Texas A&M vs. Illinois State

Who: Illinois State Redbirds (17-15, 9-9 MVC, #5 seed in conference tourney, lost in the quarterfinals)

Where: Redbird Arena (Normal, IL)

When: 8:00 pm

TV: CBS Sports Network

SEC Killers

Oddly enough, Illinois State has a very effective record against the SEC in postseason play, knocking Ole Miss out of the 2012 NIT and Tennesse ('98) and Alabama ('84) out of the NCAA's. Their giant killing ways aren't limited to the SEC or the past, however, as they had a handful of nice wins against quality competition in non-conference play

11/17/13 at Northwestern W 68-64

12/7/13 DAYTON W 81-75

12/22/13 DEPAUL W 69-64

That big game experience, combined with a 13-3 home record, will have the Redbirds completely prepared tonight.

A Team Effort

No one player stood out during my Redbird research, but I found a host of guys who contribute in various ways.

• Daishon Knight (Junior Guard) - Leads the team in scoring (13.2 PPG) minutes played (27.9 MPG), field goals attempted, and field goals made. Gets to the line often and is a good free throw shooter (79%)
• Zach Lofton (Sophomore Guard) - Leads the team in three pointers attempted, second in scoring (11.3 PPG), inspiration for a 26 page thread at redbirds.net regarding his DNP in round one of the CBI (I have no idea what's going on here or if he's playing tonight)
• Reggie Lynch (Freshman Center) - Leads the conference in blocks by a ridiculous margin (2.7 BPG), second in the conference in FG% (59.5), leads the team in offensive rebounds