Recap: Illinois State vs. Western Mich

Normal, IL (Sports Network) - Jackie Carmichael recorded a game-high 24 points as the Illinois State Redbirds coasted to an 85-63 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos at the Redbird Arena.

Carmichael was 9-of-17 from the floor for the Redbirds (6-3) and was joined in double-figures by John Wilkins and Tyler Brown who contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.

For the Broncos (6-3), Nate Hutcheson recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 boards. Darius Paul chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Pokley added 13 points in the setback.

Illinois State played an impressive defensive first half en route to a 42-35 advantage at the break, holding the Broncos to 35.7 percent shooting from the floor including a mere 3-of-12 mark from long range.

The Redbirds outscored the Broncos 43-28 over the final 20 minutes. Illinois State converted 59.3 percent of its attempts from the field in the period, compared to a mere 9-of-28 shooting by WMU.

Illinois State did some damage with a 9-of-21 clip from beyond the arc, while the Broncos made only 5-of-22 of their shots from distance.