Central Michigan hit a 3 pointer on their first possession to give them a quick 3-0 lead, but the Birds answered with 6 straight points on baskets by Baboucarr Bojang, Dirk Williams and Shedrick Ford and never looked back. Over the next few minutes, both teams struggled to score as ISU held on to a 12-8 lead with 10 minutes left in the half. ISU outscored Central Michigan 24-6 over the final 10 minutes of the half to take a commanding 36-14 half time lead. 14 points for a half tied a Redbird Arena record for lowest points scored in a half. Chicago State is the other team. The Birds held the Chippewas to 26% shooting from the field. The Birds played a strong defensive game and shot 59% from the field for the half.

The Chipewas put a full court press on the birds for much of the second half and forced ISU into 14 second half turnovers, but they could get no closer than 8 points. ISU once again held off their opponent from the free throw line, going 10-10 over the final minute and a half.

Bojang led the Birds in scoring and rebounds, notching his 4th double double of the season, with 20 points and 13 boards. Ford added 15 points, and Vince Greene scored 11, going 8-8 from the line.