NORMAL - Illinois State and Creighton had remarkable similarities heading into Saturday night's early season Missouri Valley Conference basketball showdown. There was just one difference. | Photo gallery | MVC scores, stats

"Their statistics across the board were scary. The only one with a blemish is they've been outrebounded a couple for the year," said ISU coach Tim Jankovich. "We needed to jump up and beat them by six or seven. I was never expecting plus-18, for gosh sakes."

A 22-point victory? That wasn't in Jankovich's game plan, either. Those in the sellout crowd of 10,200 wondering just how good ISU really is might not be wondering too much longer.

Osiris Eldridge led the way with 20 points and nine rebounds as the Redbirds broke away in the last 10 minutes for an 86-64 victory.

ISU improved its school-record season best start to 14-0 - and 3-0 in the Valley - by snapping the preseason league favorite Bluejays' nine-game winning streak.

"A lot of people doubted if we're a good team or could beat a good team. Tonight we proved we can beat a good team," said Eldridge. "(Being undefeated) is just motivation for us to stay humble, play hard and work hard to continue to win."

The first sellout for a non-Bradley or Southern Illinois game in the 21-year history of Redbird Arena saw ISU grab a staggering 45-27 rebounding advantage. The Redbirds had just one less offensive rebound (17) as Creighton had defensive boards.

It was a team rebounding effort, too. Five ISU players grabbed at least five rebounds. The Redbirds also had a collective scoring performance as all five starters reached double figures - Champ Oguchi (14), Dinma Odiakosa (13), Lloyd Phillips (13) and Emmanuel Holloway (11) - for the fourth time this season.

"It was really disappointing our lack of physical play and defense, but a lot of that was due to Illinois State," said Creighton coach Dana Altman. "They popped the ball around and moved it, and we just couldn't catch up to them."

Creighton (12-3, 2-1) was led by center Kenny Lawson Jr.'s 12 points. Guard Booker Woodfox, the Valley's third-leading scorer who was shooting 53 percent from outside the arc, was held to 11 points and went 1-of-5 on 3-pointers.

The Bluejays could never get untracked offensively. They shot 40.7 percent from the field.

"We're doing a lot better (on defense) and improving almost twice as much from the beginning of the season," said Odiakosa. "Coach is really happy with the way our defense has picked up. We just have to keep going and get better."

Every time ISU seemed ready to pull away, Creighton kept coming back.

With ISU clinging to a 52-45 lead with about 10 minutes left, Eldridge decided it was his turn to be Creighton's biggest nemesis again. Eldridge had averaged 19 points in four previous games with the Bluejays.

"It was the time of game I felt we had not had anything for awhile and they were right on us," said Eldridge. "It was kill or be killed."

Eldridge buried two 3-pointers that started a 17-5 Redbird run to put the game away.

ISU missed several point-blank shots in the first half. What could have been a 10- or 12-point lead at the intermission was only 35-31 as Creighton closed the half with an 8-1 run. The Redbirds missed their last seven shots.

But the Redbirds shot 59.3 percent in the second half and the rout was on.

"I was not expecting the second half. The guys were just fabulous, absolutely terrific," said Jankovich. "I feel Creighton is a great team, has a lot of weapons and is a tough system to deal with. Hopefully we made them not look like a great offensive team tonight."

The Redbirds don't get much of a chance to celebrate. Another showdown awaits.

ISU plays its fourth game in 10 days on Tuesday when it meets arch-rival Bradley at 7:05 p.m. at Peoria. The Braves are tied with ISU for the Valley lead at 3-0 after beating Missouri State 63-57 on Saturday night.

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Redbird Report card

FRONT COURT: A -

Dinma Odiakosa might have had 25 points with some putbacks and free throws, but led the charge up front that helped ISU to 45-27 rebounding advantage.

BACK COURT: A

Osiris Eldridge carried ISU in first half until Lloyd Phillips and Champ Oguchi provided second-half offensive help. Emmanuel Holloway's defense on Booker Woodfox was stellar.

BENCH: B

Brandon Sampay, Alex Rubin and the underappreciated Sead Odzic made sure the Redbirds didn't have a drop off against Creighton's deep bench.

OVERALL: A

Those who didn't believe in the Redbirds might be changing their tune. ISU took care of business at home and now faces another challenge Tuesday at arch-rival Bradley.