Knight scores 21, Redbirds roll Ramblers

Posted on February 22, 2015

The ISU men's basketball team is on a two game winning stream as they took down Loyola 67-60 at Redbird Arena. (WJBC file photo)

By Austin Duncan

NORMAL-The Illinois State Redbirds (17-11, 9-7 MVC) team grabbed their second straight win after losing a season high three straight, over the Loyola Ramblers (16-12, 6-10 MVC) 67-60, Saturday night at Redbird Arena in front of a crowd of 6,406.

The Redbirds tied the game at 18 with 7:32 remaining in the first half and led for the rest of the game.

ISU was paced in scoring by senior guard Daishon Knight who scored a game high 21 points. Two other Redbirds also scored in double figures, Devaughn Akoon-Purcell added 14 points and seven rebounds while freshman forward Mikyle McIntosh had 10 points and eight boards.

Sophomore center Reggie Lynch was stricken with foul trouble once again fouling out with just under 9 minutes remaining. ISU called on senior forward John Jones who collected 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

A pair of Loyola players scored in double figures including forward Christian Thomas with 14 points and guard Devon Turk with 11 points.

ISU senior guard Bobby Hunter saw just three minutes of action after not playing at all in Wednesday’s contest at Bradley. Former starter Tony Wills and  forward Will Ransom also did not log any minutes. Ransom was in uniform for the game after not making the trip to Peoria on Wednesday.  

This marks the first time ISU has swept four Missouri Valley Conference teams in six years. The Redbirds have gone 2-0 on the season against Bradley, Drake, Missouri State and now Loyola.

The Redbirds return to action Wednesday as they host Southern Illinois at 7:05 p.m. at Redbird Arena. This is the final regular season home game for ISU, and will be senior night. The Redbirds will honor John Jones, Daishon Knight, Bobby Hunter, and walk-on James Stawarz.

Redbird Preview begins at 6:00 p.m. and can be heard on WJBC AM 1230, 93.7 NASH ICON, or WJBC.com

Find postgame interviews with head coach Dan Muller and senior forward John Jones here.

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