CHICAGO -- The Redbirds have picked up their defensive intensity and are creeping back in the game. Anthony Slack finished off a break with a monster slam to pull Illinois State within 38-34 at the first timeout.

At the half, ISU had nine turnovers to Kent State's seven. The most telling stat was shooting percentage, though, with Ken State at 52 percent and ISU only 42 percent.

Chris Singletary and Rashad Woods are having a good game off the bench for KSU with seven each.