Junior forward Sean O'Brien jumps with the ball during SIU's home-opening exhibition win against Maryville on Monday at SIU Arena.
Illinois State (9-8, 3-1) was picked to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference by league sports information directors, media and coaches, and sit in a four-way tie for second place. The Redbirds got their first MVC loss to Indiana State on Saturday.
ISU has yet to record a win against a RPI top-150 team, going 0-7 in those contests. SIU's RPI is ranked No. 122 coming into the game.
The Redbirds tested themselves in their non-conference schedule by playing No.