ISU Still Searching For Answers After Tough Week 2

[Ape]

 

Normal, IL 

Many around the Illinois State program we’re hopeful about their week 2 contests. St. Joe’s definitely had a better team all around on paper but the Redbirds matched well against them and Loyola (MD) at Redbird Arena seemed like it would be a layup for the Birds. However we are all still searching for answers after another two loss week for this program. Coach Ape was frank in his post game press conference after today’s loss to Loyola, “We have to be better. Today was embarrassing.” The offense did play better this week, putting up 62 and 52 point efforts, sadly neither was quite enough. After leading St. Joe’s at half 42-34, the Birds collapsed late in the 2nd half and only scored 20 more points, allowing St. Joe’s to escape with a 66-62 win. This however gave hope to the Redbird faithful that today’s game against Loyola would go as we all hoped. Those hopes were quickly dashed and crushed as the Birds got destroyed 85 to 52. We’re all left scratching our heads after this one and hoping the Birds can adjust before week 3 when the Redbirds host in-state rival SIUe and Miami (OH). Before today we would have predicted a win against SIUe and a closer than on paper game  against the RedHawks, but after today we aren’t too confident. 
 

Things are looking brighter on the recruiting trail at least where the Redbirds have been connected to In-state 5⭐️Elijah Thompson, in-state 4⭐️ James Johnson, in-state 3⭐️Steven Malone and NY 5⭐️ Avery Johnson. Any combination of commitments from these prospects would brighten the Redbirds future. Here’s to hoping.