Then Madison Williams really ignited his teammates and fired up a Redbird Arena crowd of 5,024 early in the second half against Missouri Valley Conference newcomer Valparaiso.
The 6-foot-3 sophomore drove down the lane and threw down a tomahawk dunk over 6-8 Mileek McMillan. Williams was given a technical foul for taunting, but it didn't matter as the Redbirds never let up and turned back the Crusaders, 76-65.
Phil Fayne was unstoppable inside, making 11 of 12 shots and scoring a game-high 24 points as the Redbirds improved to 11-11 overall and 5-5 in the league. ISU is only a game out of second place in the jumbled Valley standings heading into Tuesday's 7 p.