A second-half onslaught from Indiana State’s usual suspects catapulted the one-seed Sycamores through day two of the Missouri Valley men’s basketball Conference Tournament Friday.  A 14 point performance from sophomore center Robbie Avila was more than enough to lift Indiana State to victory over ninth-seeded Missouri State, 75-59.

Avila, the pudgy, rec specs-wearing, cross-tattooed big man has surely lived up to the hype. He has been the talk of the town throughout the season for Indiana State,, and in his second appearance at Arch Madness shot 5 for 12 from the field, including a three, as well as two boards and four assists, but perhaps the highlight of his day was four blocks in big moments to swing momentum the Sycamores’ way.

Postgame, Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz spoke to Avila’s impact on the game, saying he was impressed with the sophomore, but that he was arguably more impressed with how his team played without Avila on the court.

Midway in the second half, Schertz sent Avila to the bench for an extended period to catch his breath.  The Sycamores, undersized as compared to Missouri State’s three-center lineup, utilized speed and shot creation, highlighted by nine quick points from guard Julian Larry, to turn on the jets and build a cushion over their foes from Springfield.  The lead proved to be enough for the Sycamores to hang on as they cruised to a 16-point victory.

Indiana State will face the winner of Belmont and Northern Iowa Saturday in the conference tournament’s semifinals.