The Illinois State Redbirds come to Omaha Saturday riding a two-game winning streak. They beat Drake and Bradley in close games in the past week, and seem poised to position themselves well for the stretch run to St. Louis and Arch Madness.
As for the Bluejays, they welcome a familiar nemesis to town in Osiris Eldridge. It has been well documented what Eldridge and his Redbirds teams have done to Creighton the past four seasons, but according to many the “O Hawk” doesn’t appear to be the same player this year.
What can fans packing the Qwest Center expect tomorrow from a game that has major implications on the seeding for Arch Madness? White & Blue Review might not have the answers, but Illinois State beat writer Jim Benson from the Bloomington Pantagraph might. Benson joins us again to share a little insight about the Redbirds.
White & Blue Review: The Redbirds appear to have been kind of up and down like the Bluejays have since they last met. What is keeping the Redbirds from being able to be more consistent?
Jim Benson: Osiris Eldridge is going through a dreadful shooting slump. That’s probably hard for Creighton fans to believe because he always seems to save his best for the Bluejays. Eldridge insists he is feeling fine physically except for the assorted bumps and bruises every player has at this time of year. If Eldridge can get it going again, the Redbirds could be a tough out the rest of the way because his teammates are picking it up, especially senior forward Dinma Odiakosa.
WBR: Illinois State’s last two games have been wins, but by a total of three points. How have they been in other close games this season?
JB: The Redbirds had chances to win road games at Missouri State, Southern Illinois and Indiana State, but couldn’t make defensive stops at Missouri State and Indiana State while Eldridge missed three shots in the final 40 seconds of overtime in a one-point loss at Southern Illinois. Lloyd Phillips sank a clutch 3-pointer with 23 seconds left to carry them past Drake, 71-68, while freshman Jackie Carmichael scored with 52 seconds left in Tuesday’s 62-61 win at Bradley. Maybe the close games are finally going the Redbirds’ way.
WBR: In the first meeting with the Bluejays, Odiakosa dominated the paint in the second half and keyed the Redbirds’ play. What makes him such a great player down low and why doesn’t he get recognized as much as other big men in the league?
JB: He might be the most underappreciated player in the Missouri Valley Conference. Odiakosa could be the strongest player in the Valley. The guy is built like a rock. Maybe he is overlooked because he wasn’t an offensive threat until this season. He has developed some really good post moves and is, arguably, the Redbirds’ most valuable player. He probably is the hardest working player in the Valley.
WBR: Freshman Justin Clark had a breakout game against the Bluejays. How has he done since then?
JB: Not much. After the breakout game against the Bluejays, Clark really hasn’t looked to score much.
WBR: Eldridge has had a somewhat quiet season. What has kept him from being talked about as much this season and is he still in consideration for Conference Player of the Year?
JB: I think the Player of the Year is out of the question. That is going to Adam Koch or Jordan Eglseder of Northern Iowa. Eldridge has let his offensive struggles affect his defense on occasion, but in the last couple games has started to pick up his defense again. Eldridge is going to have a bust-out game against someone on the offensive end, but Illinois State doesn’t need him to score big points in order to win anymore.
WBR: The teams in the MVC are pretty familiar with each other at this point in the season and most likely have an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each team. What player on the Redbird team has been playing the best down the stretch? Who has disappeared that you expected to see more from?
JB: Odiakosa has really turned it up. I never thought I would see an opponent double team him, but Bradley was forced to on Tuesday after he torched them for 25 points in Normal. Watch out for Austin Hill, too. The junior guard has been plagued by nagging injuries most of the season, but he scored 14 at Bradley and was the difference in the game. He has the physical stature to drive inside and draw contact better than any ISU player. Eldridge has to qualify as the most disappointing player. He just can’t get his jumper to fall.
WBR: Valley teams have had troubles winning on the road this season. What do you attribute to being the reason it is so hard to go on the road for a win? Is the schedule conducive for a team to be able to win on the road?
JP: It’s not just the Valley. In almost every conference, it is difficult to win road games. The Valley teams, outside of UNI, are so bunched together it is imperative to win home games or else you’ll be headed for Thursday in St. Louis. I know Illinois State has more “bounce” and energy at home and is prone to more sloppy play on the road.
WBR: What kind of battle will we see on Saturday between these two teams? Illinois State has had success in Omaha the past few seasons. What has been the key to getting the wins on the road at the Qwest Center?
JB: This game is going to go down to the wire. Whichever team defends better is going to win. The Redbirds seem to like the atmosphere in the Qwest Center and usually shoot well there. Eldridge, in particular, usually thrives in settings like this, but he is struggling so bad offensively it’s hard to see him snapping out of it Saturday.
WBR: What is your final prediction? Can the Redbirds steal a coveted road win or will the Bluejays get payback for the loss in Normal?
JB: The Redbirds are flying into Omaha full of confidence after Tuesday’s stirring victory over archrival Bradley in Peoria. Both teams know a lot is at stake. I’ll give the nod to Creighton, 76-72, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it goes the other way. A third battle, like last season, could be looming in St. Louis, but probably on Friday this time.