SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — John Wilkins scored 15 points and Illinois State never trailed Wednesday night in defeating Missouri State 68-60.
Tyler Brown and Bryant Allen had 14 points apiece for the Redbirds (10-4, 2-1 Missouri Valley). Jon Ekey had 12 rebounds and Jackie Carmichael grabbed 10 boards as Illinois State held a 44-33 edge on the glass.
Kyle Weems led Missouri State (9-6, 2-1) with 18 points. Jamar Gulley had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Bears.
Illinois State never led by more than 12 in the game, but Missouri State couldn’t get any closer than five points after the first few seconds of the second half.
