Illinois State takes a six–game win streak into Tuesday's home game with Northern Iowa.
The Redbirds (11-3, 3-0) are tied for first in the Valley with Indiana State and Drake.
It's a topsy–turvy beginning in the MVC, and ISU Coach Tim Jankovich is one of those responsible.

News 25: Well, you've brought the Kansas magic with you to Normal. 11–3, 3–0 in the Valley, you're doing something right.

Jankovich: " I don't know about Kansas magic. That's a whole other level of magic, but things have gone great. It's still early. There's a lot of games left, and trust me, I take a peek at the long–term schedule now and then and I realize how early it is. I couldn't be prouder of the team, and I couldn't imagine when I got here that I could enjoy a bunch of guys as much as I enjoy these guys."

News 25: When you look at what you guys have done defensively, holding SIU to 26 percent shooting, Wichita State to 29 percent, it's pretty amazing.

Jankovich: "It is. You're supposed to teach the players and sometimes, the players end up teaching you something, that maybe your expectations could have been higher. To go back to back, 20 percent defensive percentile, defensive field goal percentage is more than I would have ever expected. Defense is a lot of things, but no more important ingredient than just heart and that's why I love these guys so much, 'cuz they're really giving it up."

News 25: They've really embraced what you've brought to them.

Janckovich: "The first minute that I met them, when I walked into the room and I thought I'd have to tell them to sit up and pay attention...I didn't have to do that. They all were looking right at me and I could tell they cared. They've been great ever since."