NORMAL - The Illinois State men's basketball team opened the season with an explosive offensive effort Monday night with a 100-72 win against California-Santa Barbara.

Redbird senior Jackie Carmichael led all scorers with a career-high 27 points. He also had 10 rebounds.

ISU continues its season Thursday at Drexel. Pregame on WJBC AM 1230 and FM 93.7 starts at 5 p.m.

B Corbin can be reached at photobea@hotmail.com