Top-seeded Illinois State went to its bench in its first game of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Coach Dan Muller hopes its productivity is a sign of things to come.
The Redbirds (26-5) defeated eighth-seeded Evansville 80-69 on Friday in the quarterfinals at Scottrade Center. Illinois State advances to Saturday’s semifinal against either Southern Illinois.
Guard Keyshawn Evans came off the bench to score 16 points. Reserve forward D.J. Clayton added 12, including a rare three-pointer. Their contributions allowed Muller to reduce the wear on his starters, a priority for the weekend. No Redbird played more than 29 minutes.