Skunberg's season-high, Walker's double-double lift ISU over Bradley | Sports – The Vidette

Just one week ago, Illinois State men’s basketball had its lowest shooting percentage at 27% in the 63-59 overtime loss against UIC. On Saturday afternoon, with a crowd of 7,549, the Redbirds took home the “War on 74” trophy once more against Bradley, 88-62.

In his first game against the Braves, Boden Skunberg set a new season high with 23 points, while the team shot an increased 53% from the floor and 10 made behind the arc. 

“We have a bunch of players that can go out and score 20, and tonight was my night,” Skunberg said. “When Johnny [Kinziger] drives or when Chase [Walker] is drawing everyone’s eyes, you have a pretty good chance to go up when all of the attention is on them.”

The North Dakota State transfer had to take a medical redshirt last season, but he stepped out onto the hardwood for the first time against the rivals. He had 16 points through the first 20 minutes.

“Last year I was on the bench, so I still got to experience it,” Skunberg said. “I just had chills. Both games were so exciting, so I knew what to expect, and it lived up to the hype.” 

He guided the Redbirds to their largest win since 2012 and snapped ISU’s three-game losing streak. In parallel to the 2024-25 season, the Redbirds dropped three games, their last one being at Indiana State, before heading home and taking down their Peoria rivals. 

Flash forward to Wednesday, and the Redbirds lost 94-89 to Indiana State. Calling on Skunberg’s number, the Redbirds rallied past the Braves at home for the second consecutive season under ISU head coach Ryan Pedon. 

“This rivalry is much larger than myself or this team,” Pedon said. “As the head coach of this team, I carry a little bit of a burden because I want to perform for our fans, our alumni and people who it’s really important to.” 

Walker picked up his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The junior made the post his home against Bradley’s 7-foot-1 center, Ahmet Jonovic. 

“He’s a really good player over there, super big and physical,” Walker said. “It was just our night, and we played really well, but they were always fighting and battling.” 

Walker defensively limited Jonovic to seven points on 2-for-5 shooting and led the Redbirds with three steals. Midway through the second half, the Ohio native came away with a block ricocheting off the backboard.

“I thought Metta [Jonovic] could at least contain Walker. He could not,” Bradley head coach Brian Wardle said. “Kinziger’s always played well against us; he just doesn’t stop. You also have to give their seniors a lot of credit, and their bench played great too.”

The Redbirds found success through Walker in the post in the first half, running away with a 9-0 scoring run. The team combined for 42 points scored on the blocks. 

After halftime, the three-point line became ISU’s target. Ty’Reek Coleman knocked down back-to-back threes, and Landon Moore added 10 points off the bench.

Moore, from Bloomington, Illinois, grew up going to the I-74 Rivalry games and played in his first one. 

“The rivalry means something to the fans and the crowd,” Moore said. “It was cool to be on the court compared to being in the crowd, and I’m sure my family enjoyed it as well. Shoutout to the crowd today, too; they really brought it and helped us out today.” 

The senior went perfect on four shot attempts. 

While Kinziger only added seven points and three assists, he was honored pregame for scoring 1,000 career points.

Following the win, ISU jumps to 13-6 overall and 5-3 in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Jaden Cohn is the head sports editor for The Vidette. Cohn can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow Cohn on X at @Jadencohn6.

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