Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan renew crosstown showdown for first time since 1970

(25News Now) - Despite being separated by less than two miles, it had been 53 years since Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan squared off on the basketball court. That was until Sunday when the Redbirds and Titans renewed their rivalry at CEFCU Arena in Normal.

ISU took down IWU 78-46 in an exhibition matchup but the real winner was basketball in Bloomington-Normal with a great crowd on hand to take in the action.

Illinois State guard Darius Burford led all scorers with 19 points for the Redbirds who are set to open the regular season on Monday, November 6th against Lourdes at CEFCU Arena.

Illinois Wesleyan was led by Ryan Sroka’s 10 points. The Titans still have one more exhibition game at Northern Illinois on Wednesday, November 1st before opening the season with the Jack Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational on Friday, November 10th against Ohio Wesleyan at Shirk Center.

The ISU and IWU women also played an exhibition matchup on Sunday with the Redbirds downing the Titans 94-56.

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