NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State built a double-digit advantage without missing a shot in the opening five minutes, and the Redbirds never relinquished the lead in a 75-57 home-opening victory over Summit League preseason-favorite Fort Wayne Wednesday night on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
Deontae Hawkins scored a career-high 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field, including a 5-for-7 effort from beyond the arc to lead five Redbirds in double figures. Meanwhile, DJ Clayton collected a game-best nine rebounds and netted 11 points. Fort Wayne's Mo Evans led his team with 19 points.