NORMAL – With university presidents shaking hands across a dividing line, dueling pep bands and Doug Collins sitting courtside at Doug Collins Court, Sunday’s exhibition basketball game already had several interesting elements.
But the men's teams from Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan playing for the first time since 1970 with 6,386 in attendance at CEFCU Arena illustrated the significance and impact of the day better than any score could.
“It was a great afternoon for our community,” said ISU coach Ryan Pedon after his Division I team prevailed over the Division III Titans 78-46. “You could really feel the energy when we got to the floor.