Chase Walker shines as Illinois State defeats Incarnate Word

On March 25, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida, the Illinois State Redbirds faced off against the Incarnate Word Cardinals in the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament. The game proved to be a tightly contested battle, with Illinois State ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 78-73. Chase Walker was the standout performer for the Redbirds, scoring an impressive 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds to guide his team to the win. The game featured several key performances. Ty Pence contributed significantly with 15 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game. Johnny Kinziger added 13 points but had a challenging night shooting from beyond the arc, hitting only one of five attempts. On the other side, the Cardinals were led by Dylan Hayman, who scored 24 points, while Jalin Anderson and Davion Bailey supported the scoring efforts with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Despite their strong performance, Incarnate Word fell short in the semifinals. Illinois State's victory not only advanced them in the CBI tournament but also highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The game was marked by a competitive atmosphere as both teams sought to extend their season in the postseason tournament. For Illinois State, the win reflected a solid end to their season, allowing them to carry momentum into the final stages of the tournament. The importance of this win is underscored by the impressive statistics displayed by both teams. Illinois State shot 46.8% from the field during their last ten games, whereas Incarnate Word averaged 73.9 points but faced challenges against other teams. Illinois State's ability to outscore Incarnate Word in crucial moments played a pivotal role in their win, and this performance will likely impact their confidence as they progress further in the tournament.