NORMAL– The much-anticipated match up with the basketball rival Bradley Braves brought Illinois State fans out of the woodwork tonight at the Doug Collins Redbird Arena. Students, families and local fans alike celebrated the first three-point basket made by Jon Wilkins by throwing red and white confetti in the air.

The Redbirds kept Bradley under 20 points in the first half of the game and finished with a final of 78-48, locking down a six-game winning streak against the Braves.

Junior forward Jackie Carmichael had 495 rebounds going into the match up and finished with eight more, putting him at 503 rebounds at the end of the game. Carmichael is the 31^st player in Illinois State history to hit the 500-rebound mark and is one of only five Redbirds to collect 800 points, 500 rebounds and 100 blocked shots in a career.

The Redbirds consistent offense was the key to their success. Junior guard Tyler Brown finished with 21 points, guards Wilkins and Bryant Allen finished with 10 and 11 points respectively. The Redbirds focused on their passing game and took opportunities to create lanes to render their wide lead.

ISU will take on Drake for their next game on Wednesday, February 8^th at the Doug Collins Redbird Arena.