NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A struggling Eastern Kentucky team aims to snap a five-game skid when it visits a surging Illinois State squad on Wednesday night at Redbird Arena. The Colonels (1-6) are coming off an 83-77 home loss to Wofford on Saturday, despite a near triple-double from MJ Williams (11 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists). Austin Ball added 20 points. Eastern Kentucky’s only win came against non-Division I Midway on Nov. 6, and its defense has allowed an average of 88 points during its current losing streak. Illinois State (6-2) has won four straight, including a 72-65 victory over Furman last Friday. Ty Pence led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Redbirds have been strong at home, winning all four contests in Normal by an average margin of 30 points. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST. Illinois State hosts Chicago State on Saturday, while Eastern Kentucky returns home to face Indiana University East.