GAME NOTES: The Wichita State Shockers and the Illinois State Redbirds will kick off the New Year at the Charles Koch Arena in a Missouri Valley Conference battle this evening. The Redbirds come into this matchup red-hot, winning four straight contests, and six of their last seven games. The last time Illinois State was on the court the team collected an 80-67 victory over Creighton on the road. This will be the fourth consecutive road matchup for the Redbirds, who are currently a solid 3-1 away from home this year. As for the Shockers, they had a two-game winning streak snapped the last time they were on the court, losing to Drake, 62-54. Since the beginning of the 2005-06 season the Shockers are a solid 30-8 at the Koch Arena, and that includes the team's 5-2 ledger on its home floor this year. These two teams split the season series a year ago, each winning on its home floor.

The Redbirds have dominated the opposition with strong defensive play this season and come into this matchup surrendering just 59.2 ppg, while holding teams to a mere 39.2 percent shooting effort. This past Saturday, the Redbirds put forth another tenacious defensive display, as they soared past Creighton, 80-67. In the win, the Redbirds allowed Creighton to shoot over 45 percent, but held the Bluejays to just 32.0 percent from long range and also forced them into 16 turnovers. Offensively, the Redbirds were paced by Levi Dyer, who came off the bench and poured in 20 points in just 25 minutes of action. Osiris Eldridge added 15 points in the win, while Anthony Slack tallied a double- double, netting 11 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Dinma Odiakosa and Boo Richardson both chipped in 10 points apiece. On the season, the main scoring option has been Eldridge, who is currently posting 15.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg. Dyer and Slack have also made solid contributions this year, as Dyer is netting 11.4 ppg, while Slack is posting 10.4 ppg to go along with a team-best 6.7 rpg.

The Shockers could be in trouble tonight against the Redbirds, especially since Wichita State has had trouble scoring points. WSU heads into this game netting only 62.0 ppg, while shooting a mere 40.7 percent from the floor. Currently leading the squad in scoring is P.J. Couisnard, who is averaging 10.8 ppg, while also pulling down 5.9 rpg. Phillip Thomasson and Matt Braeuer have also done well for the for Shockers, contributing 10.7 and 10.3 ppg, respectively. The offensive woes continued for WSU the last time the team took the floor, as the squad posted just 58 points in a loss to Drake. In the four- point setback, the Shockers shot under 40.0 percent from the field and connected on a pathetic 3-of-21 from long range, and an equally bad 9-of-24 from the foul line. J.T. Durley scored a team-high 13 points in the loss, while Braeuer chipped in 10 points.

This is not the type of team Wichita State wants to face while struggling offensively. Although at home, expect the Shockers to be shut down by a very tough Illinois State squad.