NORMAL, Ill. – For the first time since 2014, the Indiana State men's basketball team leaves Redbird Arena victorious, topping Illinois State 73-65 behind a balanced scoring effort Saturday, Jan. 16.

Indiana State (5-7, 2-5 MVC) had three players finish in double figures, with three others adding eight points to top Illinois State­ (4-7, 1-4 MVC).

Standing out for the Sycamores was sophomore Tre Williams, who notched his first career double-double thanks to 12 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Junior Cooper Neese led all players in scoring on the night thanks to a 17-point performance, while senior Tyreke Key added 13 with seven rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a career-high two blocks. Jake LaRavia, Tobias Howard Jr., and Randy Miller Jr. each notched eight points.

The two teams slogged through the first half, both shooting 35 percent overall, before Indiana State separated itself in the second. The Sycamores shot 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from the floor, and cashed in at the charity stripe, making 19-of-21 second half attempts.

At the end of the game, Indiana State held a slight advantage in overall shooting from the floor (41.8 to 40.0) and three (29.4 to 26.9), but a decisive edge at the free throw line (91.7 to 58.8).

The Sycamores dominated the rebound battle on the night, 43-27, for its best positive rebounding margin of the season, and had its bench outscore Illinois State 15-7. The Redbirds held the advantage in assists (17-to-10), turnovers (15-to-19), and a narrow edge in points in the paint (30-to-28).

Illinois State also had three players in double figures, with DJ Horne leading the way with 16.

The Sycamores look for the series sweep against the Redbirds Sunday, Jan. 17 in another 4 p.m. showdown.