Johnny Kinziger scored 21 points to help Illinois State defeat Northern Iowa 81-73 on Wednesday night.

Myles Foster scored 18 points and added 14 rebounds for the Redbirds (14-14, 8-9 Missouri Valley Conference). Kendall Lewis was 7 of 11 shooting (1 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 17 points while adding 10 rebounds.

The Panthers (15-13, 9-8) were led by Nate Heise, who posted 20 points and two steals. Bowen Born added 14 points, four assists and three steals for Northern Iowa. Tytan Anderson also had 13 points, two steals and two blocks.

Illinois State took the lead with 1:26 to go in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 37-34 at halftime, with Kinziger racking up 11 points. Foster scored a team-high 10 points after intermission.

Illinois State travels to Peoria to take on Bradley in the 'War on 74' rivalry game Saturday night.