NORMAL — The Cayman Islands Classic organizers didn't do Illinois State's basketball team any favors when it announced first-round pairings for the tourney.
The Redbirds, under first-year head coach Ryan Pedon, face LSU on Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. (CT) at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. ISU has never played LSU, a member of the Southeastern Conference.
LSU went 22-12 and lost in an NCAA Tournament first-round game last season. Matt McMahon has taken over as LSU's head coach after guiding Murray State to the NCAA's second round.
KJ Williams, who was Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year with Murray State, has transferred to LSU. Williams contributed 13 points and six rebounds as the Racers downed ISU, 77-65, last season at Redbird Arena.
ISU meets Western Kentucky or Akron in the second round at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 before finishing the tourney on Nov. 23 against one of the teams in the other bracket — Kansas State, Rhode Island, Tulane or Nevada.
This will be ISU's second trip to the Cayman Islands Classic. The Redbirds went 2-1 in 2018, including 73-68 victory over Akron.Â
Photos: ISU men battle SIU at Redbird Arena
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Illinois State guard Antonio Reeves stuffs the basketball to get his 1,000th career point against Southern Illinois during first half action Saturday at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Howard Fleming Jr. powers in two points against Southern Illinois forward J.D. Muila, left, and guard Trent Brown during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Josiah Strong, left, pulls down a rebound over Southern Illinois forward J.D. Muila during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Mark Freeman (0) make his way open to score two against Southern Illinois during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State head coach Dan Muller has a friendly conversation with a referee over a disputed call as the Redbirds took on Southern Illinois during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State forward Liam McChesney (13) lands a three-point shot against Southern Illinois guard Dalton Banks during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Howard Fleming Jr. (3) puts up a shot over Southern Illinois forward Anthony D'Avanzo during first half action Saturday at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Antonio Reeves (12) shoots for two against Southern Illinois forward J.D. Muila during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State forward Liam McChesney (13) looks to the basket past a Southern Illinois defender during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Josiah Strong (2) drives to the basket against Southern Illinois guard Steven Verplancken Jr. (22) during first-half action Saturday at Redbird Arena. Strong led ISU with 16 points as SIU downed the Redbirds, 75-69.
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Illinois State center Ryan Schmitt (50) looks to move the ball against Southern Illinois' J.D. Muila during Saturday's game at Redbird Arena.
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Illinois State guard Howard Fleming Jr. looks to score against Southern Illinois forward Anthony D'Avanzo (33) during first half action, Feb. 5, 2022 at Redbird Arena.
Contact Jim Benson at (309) 820-3404. Follow him on Twitter: @Pg_Benson
