ATHENS, Ohio – Playing in its 2025-26 season-opener, the Illinois State Redbirds saw three players reach double-figures in the scoring column but could not overcome a strong shooting night from the Ohio Bobcats, falling 72-68 in southeast Ohio.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bobcats scored the first six points of the game, jumping out to an early lead, and Ohio never trailed, as the hosts' advantage reached its zenith at 11 with 11:31 to play in the half (18-7). The Redbirds raced off runs of 6-0 and 7-0 to get within two points, eventually tying the game at 29 and the teams went into the locker room knotted at 31.