ISU features eight newcomers to NCAA Division I basketball on the current active roster. Teams like that play much better at home than on the road and play better as the season progresses. They have won six in a row straight up at home and have covered three straight.

Illinois State, which is believed to have less experience than any other NCAA Division I team, has made significant progress throughout the season. In the Redbirds first five games (1-4), ISU averaged 68.4 points while shooting 38.3 percent and allowing opponents to shoot 45.7 percent. In contrast, the Redbirds have averaged 70.1 (+1.7) per game while shooting 40.9 percent (+2.6) and holding opponents to 40.5 percent (-5.2) through their last 11 games (8-3).