WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Cleanthony Early and Ron Baker each scored 11 points, and No. 6 Wichita State cruised past Illinois State 66-47 on Wednesday night with tight defense and a balanced effort.

Wichita State (16-0, 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference) extended both the longest winning streak and best start to a season in program history by holding Illinois State (8-7, 1-2) to 27 percent shooting (18 of 55).

Bobby Hunter scored 11 points to lead the Redbirds, outrebounded 44-37.

Already up by 13 at halftime, Wichita State started the second half with seven straight points. Chadrack Lufile scored the first four down low, and Tekele Cotton hit a 3-pointer for a 44-24 lead.

An 8-3 Shockers run featuring Nick Wiggins hitting a 3-pointer and converting an alley-oop slam pushed the their lead to 54-30 with 10:53 remaining.