Illinois State locks down first Missouri Valley Conference victory

MURRAY, Ky. — Caden Boser got Illinois State off to a fast start in his first Redbird start and joined two teammates with 17 points in ISU's 74-68 Missouri Valley Conference basketball victory over Murray State on Thursday before a crowd of 4,585 at CFSB Center.

Stepping in to replace the injured Chase Walker in the starting lineup, Boser scored 10 early points as ISU owned an eight-point halftime lead and held on throughout the second half.

Illinois State's Caden Boser works between two Murray State defenders on Thursday.The Redbirds improved to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in the MVC.

Johnny Kinziger returned after missing the past game and a half with a bruised knee and hit an early second half…