Preview: Struggling Chicago State Faces Hot Illinois State NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in early-season trajectories will be on display Saturday when the surging Illinois State Redbirds host the struggling Chicago State Cougars in a nonconference men’s basketball game. Illinois State (7-2) enters riding a five-game winning streak and will look to continue its momentum at Redbird Arena. Chicago State (1-8) seeks a rare positive result, fresh off its first victory of the season but carrying the weight of eight losses by an average margin of 21.6 points. The Redbirds have been dominant at home, winning all five contests in Normal by an average of 33.2 points. Their offense is humming, having scored at least 79 points in four of their last five outings. Sophomore guard Johnny Kinziger has been a catalyst, averaging 15.6 points over the last seven games. He is coming off a 21-point, 5-assist performance in Wednesday’s 89-78 win over Eastern Kentucky, where Ty Pence (17 points) and Mason Klabo (17 points) also shined. Chicago State snapped a season-opening eight-game skid with an 85-62 home win over St. Francis on Monday. The Cougars will need a similar explosive offensive effort, led by guard Doyel Cockrill. He scored 21 points in that victory and has averaged 14.3 points over his last four games. Support from Marcus Tankersley (19 points vs. St. Francis) and rebounding from Dailliss Cox (11 boards) will be crucial. The Cougars’ defense, however, has been a persistent issue, allowing 84.1 points per game. Containing Illinois State’s balanced and efficient attack, which has four players averaging double figures, presents a formidable challenge. This intrastate matchup marks Illinois State’s final tune-up before a tough road test at Utah State next week. Chicago State begins a stretch of three straight road games, with visits to Loyola Chicago, Bowling Green and Indiana looming. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon at Redbird Arena.