In a match that promises to showcase determination and talent, Presbyterian College's Blue Hose will face off against the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, as part of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI). This game marks a unique opportunity for both teams, each keen to make an impact in their postseason appearance.
As they step into the CBI, the Presbyterian Blue Hose, with a current record of 14 wins and 18 losses, are coming off a heartbreaking overtime defeat against Radford, where they lost 74-69 despite a valiant effort that saw them rally back from a 14-point halftime deficit. Highlights from the encounter included standout performances from Kobe Stewart, who led the scoring with 22 points, and Kory Mincy, who added 13 points alongside eight assists. Senior Kaleb Scott also made significant contributions with 14 points and nine rebounds, showcasing the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
Head Coach Quinton Ferrell, in his sixth season at the helm, has fostered a competitive squad that has averaged 74.3 points and 33.7 rebounds per game this season. Stewart leads the Blue Hose with an average of 15.3 points per contest, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure, while Mincy trails closely with 14.8 points and leads the Big South in assists, averaging 4.5 per game. The team also boasts impressive three-point shooting, leading the Big South with a 36.9% success rate beyond the arc—an important factor that could determine the outcome against Illinois State.
Meanwhile, the Illinois State Redbirds, sporting a record of 19-14, are entering the tournament with momentum, having won four of their last six games. Their last outing saw them fall to Belmont 76-63, which only adds to their motivation going into the CBI. Illinois State averages 75.5 points per game, with their offensive strength largely stemming from the athleticism of senior guard Johnny Kinziger and sophomore forward Case Walker, who lead the team in scoring at 14.8 points per game each. Walker also contributes significantly on the boards, pulling down an average of 6.1 rebounds per game.
This matchup between the Blue Hose and the Redbirds is particularly intriguing as it marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Both teams are looking to make a statement not only within the context of this tournament but also for their respective programs moving forward. Presbyterian will aim to leverage its strong three-point shooting and quick transition plays against the more athletic Illinois State side, which boasts a solid defense.
Presbyterian’s head coach Quinton Ferrell reflected on the significance of postseason opportunities: “This is our chance to show that we belong on the big stage, and we’ve been working hard all season. It’s about finishing strong now.” Ferrell, a former player at the college, imbues his team with passion and dedication, underscoring the cultural importance of the game.
Moreover, the Blue Hose are looking to capitalize on their previous success in postseason play, marking their third appearance in a postseason tournament since moving to Division I. This provides them with a wealth of experience that could prove vital against an equally ambitious Illinois State squad.
Analytics suggest that both teams have comparable playstyles, with Illinois State making 47.8% of its field goals, which is slightly better than the defensive capabilities of Presbyterian, allowing opponents to shoot 45.2%. Offensively, the Blue Hose hold a slight edge, averaging 74.3 points, compared to the 71.9 points allowed by Illinois State. This close statistical comparison highlights how closely matched the two teams are and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive game.
Fans can watch the game live on FloCollege, as the CBI Tournament runs from March 23 to March 26, culminating in the championship matchup. The anticipation is palpable as both teams prepare to step onto the court with hopes of advancing further in the tournament and, importantly, making a statement about their respective programs.
As the clock ticks closer to game time, both the Blue Hose and Redbirds are gearing up for what could be a thrilling performance—will Presbyterian write a new chapter in their postseason story, or will Illinois State assert their dominance? The atmosphere in Daytona Beach is sure to be electric, with both teams hungry for a win. Fans of both squads are advised to tune in and support their teams as they embark on this crucial playoff journey.
