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ISU at Indiana State

Chat with Pantagraph sportswriter Jim Benson before the Illinois State men's basketball game. During the game, follow Jim on Twitter (@Pg_Benson).

3rd & 7 37yd

This is my eighth year covering ISU and I have only seen the Redbirds win once here at Hulman Center. That was in my first year, 2007, when Greg Dilligard led the Redbirds past the Sycamores. Tim Jankovich went 0-5 in this building and Dan Muller is 0-1. The Redbirds have a chance to win this game. Indiana State hasn't been real sharp lately and is vulnerable.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:30:24 PM
Don't see many fans in red in the sparse crowd about 22 minutes before tip. There was a women's game here that ended about 1.5 hours ago. Of course, Bill and Lori Gaddis are here. They are troopers.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:39:51 PM
I know there are people watching, so gimme some questions. I'm getting lonely...

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:41:12 PM
Jake Odum has been battling tendinitis in his knees. But Odum always seems to be a Redbird Killer. That guy seems like he's been here all 8 years I've been covering the Redbirds.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:42:19 PM
Is Houston out there tonight? Mr. & Mrs. Buckeye Girl (sounds kinda weird)? Mother?

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:43:23 PM
It's Coaches vs. Cancer Awareness Weekend, so coaches across the country are wearing sneakers on the sidelines. I haven't specifically looked, but sure the Redbird coaches are proudly wearing their Nikes.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:45:03 PM
Any reason why Lofton sat for most of the 2nd half last game besides taking some ill-advised shots?

by Scott 1/25/2014 10:46:14 PM
Not sure. Probably part of reason and probably had some defensive mistakes. Part of the learning curve....

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:47:18 PM
Indiana State is going to take a dive after this season. Not only will the Trees lose Odum, but also Arop and Cummings. Hopefully they're bringing in a point guard because right now they don't have another in the program. I do think Greg Lansing is a very good coach who won't be down for long.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:49:12 PM
Since I'm already out of questions where do you think the Redbirds will finish in the conference?

by Scott 1/25/2014 10:52:13 PM
If you would have asked me on Dec. 1, I would have said get your reservations for Thu in St. Louis. Now, I would be extremely disappointed in the Redbirds if they slipped into the bottom four. I am saying fifth and that may be a tad conservative. They could get as high as No. 3. And, no, I'm not a homer but have seen all the other teams.

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:53:27 PM
I think Brent Scott, a frosh, might be Odum's replacement for the Sycamores. Soph Devonte Brown could also play the pt

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:55:10 PM
How would you rank the rest of the teams since you've seen them all play?

by Scott 1/25/2014 10:55:12 PM
Here goes: 1. WSU; 2. Indiana State; 3. UNI (gulp); 4. ISU (I just moved them up); 5. MSU; 6. Evansville; 7. Bradley; 8. SIU; 9. Drake; 10. Loyola

by jbenson 1/25/2014 10:59:40 PM