DES MOINES, Iowa — Less than a year ago during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, Matt Hein went through an experience he could only describe as "awful."
That kind of ordeal might have mentally ruined many players. Instead, it seems to have made Hein stronger.
When ISU faces Drake in a 7 p.m. game Wednesday at the Knapp Center between teams that share the MVC lead at 2-0 along with Missouri State, Hein will be in ISU's starting lineup coming off the best game of his career.
With ISU leading scorer Keyshawn Evans sidelined by a knee injury Sunday, Hein responded with career highs of 12 points, four 3-pointers and 31 minutes during the Redbirds' 84-81 overtime victory over Indiana State.