ST. LOUIS – The competition level ticks up a level to Division I on Saturday at Chaifetz Arena, and Illinois State basketball coach Ryan Pedon is well aware it’s going to stay there.
Pedon believes his Redbird are ready— after an exhibition win over Illinois Wesleyan and a regular-season opening victory over NAIA program Lourdes — to take on Saint Louis in a 7 p.m. nonconference game.
“This time of year the way I view it is I want adversity for our players. True growth comes through struggle,” Pedon said. “I’m not saying all we’re going to get is struggle, but I want to play really good competition.