VALPARAISO, Ind. — Sy Chatman ached when he missed a free throw with seven seconds left that could have given Illinois State the lead for the first time Sunday.
And the Redbirds bemoaned letting Sheldon Edwards free in the corner for a 3-pointer that put Valparaiso ahead to stay with 2:20 remaining in overtime.
Yet what really bothered the Redbirds more than anything — and cost them a chance for a precious early Missouri Valley Conference road victory — was their play in the first half. More specifically, their lack of defensive toughness.