What's Happening?
In a competitive Missouri Valley Conference game, the Belmont Bruins defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 80-69. Eoin Dillon led Belmont with 16 points off the bench, showcasing his shooting prowess by making 6 of 8 shots, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Jabez Jenkins contributed significantly with 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals. The Redbirds were led by Johnny Kinziger, who scored 13 points and provided five assists. Despite a strong performance from Chase Walker, who added 12 points and eight rebounds, Illinois State could not withstand a critical 10-0 run by Belmont in the second half, which turned a two-point deficit into a lead.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for Belmont as it enhances their standing in the Missouri Valley Conference,
improving their record to 18-3 overall and 8-2 in conference play. The game highlights Belmont's depth and ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the second half. For Illinois State, the loss is a challenge to their conference aspirations, now standing at 14-7 overall and 6-4 in the conference. The outcome of this game could influence the seeding and dynamics of the upcoming conference tournament, making each subsequent game critical for both teams.
What's Next?
Belmont will aim to continue their winning streak as they progress through their conference schedule, with the goal of securing a favorable seed in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Illinois State will need to address their defensive strategies and improve their performance in upcoming games to enhance their tournament prospects. Both teams will focus on refining their play as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the competitive conference landscape.
