After leading by as many as 11 late in the first half it was a bend but don't break mentality for the Redbirds in the second half who let Utah State within 1 but never lost their lead.

ISU Senior Guard Boo Richardson said, "We really had to stay focused on our defensive principles. They made some tough shots but we weren't going to break no matter what."

ISU Head Coach Tim Jankovich said, "How many times have we seen this from this team? Just so much fight, the games slipping away, the momentum is on their side and they start to get on top of us but we've seen it so many times this year. It just happens over and over. These guys just have tremendous fight and heart."

The character of this team continued to shine as they held on for the four–point win. The first post season win in 10 years for the program in the first ever post season game for all of its players.

Jankovich said, "These guys have already done so much for this program. Anything past what they've already done including today is just icing. I want them to feel what they feel tonight to be in post season and that sense of accomplishment will be with them forever and that's what's important to me."

Next up for the Redbirds, a second round match–up with the Dayton Flyers. The only team to have a higher RPI than ISU to be left out of the NCAA tournament.