Boxscore

NORMAL, Ill. -- Illinois State finished near the bottom of the Missouri Valley Conference last season.  This year the Redbirds are at the top, and they proved why in Saturday night's victory over the University of Evansville.

Illinois State jumped ahead 34-19 in the first half on 68 percent shooting, and held off the Aces 74-66 despite Evansville getting to within three points twice in the second half.  The Redbirds are now 5-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference and 13-3 overall.  Evansville played hard Saturday night, but couldn't snap its losing streak against first place Illinois State.  The Aces are now 5-10 overall and 0-5 in the Valley.

Junior Shy Ely  scored a career-high 28 points, hitting 10 of 18 shots.  Jason Holsinger added 10 points.  The only thing Evansville failed at was free throw shooting.  The Aces were aggressive and got to the line, but hit only 19 of 35.  Illinois State hit 24 of 35.

"This was a step in the right direction," said UE Coach Marty Simmons.  "At no time did our guys quit.  We need to build on this effort to get ready for Tuesday night."

The Aces are back home Tuesday to play Southern Illinois.  Game time is 7:05 CST at Roberts Stadium as the Aces look for their third straight homecourt victory over the Salukis.