NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Illinois State looks to solidify its position near the top of the Missouri Valley Conference standings when it hosts struggling Southern Illinois on Tuesday night at Redbird Arena.

The Redbirds (15-7, 6-3 MVC) have won three of their last four, including a 70-65 road victory at Murray State last Wednesday. They sit in a tight cluster in the upper half of the league, while the Salukis (9-13, 3-6) have lost five of their last six to fall toward the bottom.

Illinois State won the first meeting this season, 75-68, in Carbondale on Dec. 18. The Redbirds have relied on efficient offense, averaging 74.2 points per game. A key catalyst is junior guard Chase Walker, who is coming off a 21-point performance against Murray State and has scored 20 or more in three of his last six outings.

Southern Illinois, which averages 68.8 points, is seeking consistency after a heartbreaking 68-66 home loss to Illinois-Chicago on Saturday. The Salukis will lean on guard Damien Mayo, who erupted for 20 points in that narrow defeat. Mayo has shown scoring flashes, with 17 points or more in three January games, but has been held to single digits in two of his last four.

The matchup features contrasting recent trajectories. Illinois State is 8-2 at home this season, while Southern Illinois is just 1-7 in true road games. The Redbirds’ balanced attack, which saw Ty Pence and Landon Wolf join Walker in double figures last game, will test a Salukis defense allowing 71.3 points per contest.

Tuesday’s result could provide crucial momentum as the conference race intensifies. Illinois State visits Evansville next, while Southern Illinois hosts Murray State on Friday.