Redbirds fall in overtime battle to Milwaukee

Posted on December 7, 2017
Viria Livingston (pictured) and the Redbirds played a tough game, but ultimately fell short against the Milwaukee Panthers. (Photo courtesy goredbirds.com.)

By ISU Sports Information

MILWAUKEE – The Illinois State women’s basketball team dropped in a back-and-forth affair to the Milwaukee Panthers 61-59.

How It Happened

The first quarter was eventful with three lead changes, but the Panthers would finish ahead 12-8. Katrina Beck opened the game for the Redbirds as she drove to the hoop for two. The Panthers responded with a 3-pointer by Bailey Farley to take a 3-2 lead. Hannah Green and Beck each put in a layup to pull ahead 6-3. The Panthers went on a six-point run and would not look back. Redbirds came within reach, but would not overcome the deficit.

PODCAST: Listen to Illinois State University Women’s Basketball Coach Kristen Gillespie in the post-game interview:

Farley started the second quarter off for the Panthers with another 3-pointer. Millie Stevens kept the Redbirds within reach as she hustled down for two, Redbirds trailed 15-10. Illinois State caught fire and went on a seven-point run to take back the lead 17-15. The Redbirds scored 20 points in the second quarter to finish ahead at halftime 28-23.

The Redbirds quickly put up five points with a jumper by Green and a 3-pointer from Megan Talbot. Illinois State led by 10 points with 6:41 in the third. Farley put in her third 3-pointer of the game to get the Panthers back on track with 5:47 on the clock. Milwaukee made a strong comeback and led 36-35 at the end of the third.

The teams stayed neck-and-neck throughout the entire fourth quarter, and would finish regulation tied 50-50.

The back-and-forth affair did not end in overtime. The teams battled it out to the final seconds, but Milwaukee would finish ahead 61-59. This was the closest game the Redbirds have competed in this season, with nine ties and 15 lead changes.

Inside the Box Score

  • The Redbirds scored 20 points in the second quarter. This is the highest scoring quarter so far this season.
  • Green added 15 points for the Redbirds. This is her fourth-straight game scoring in double digits.
  • Farley led for the Panthers with 19 points going 5-for-7 behind the arc.
  • Steph Kostowicz was a key player for the Panthers, adding a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Stat of the Game

  • This is the first time that three Redbirds scored in double digits. Talbot added 13 and Beck and Green each added 15.

What’s Next
The Redbirds return home on Sunday to face Eastern Michigan at 2 p.m. The Eagles begin an Illinois road trip Friday to take on the UIC Flames and head south to Redbird Arena. The Eagles are 2-5 after dropping in their last five games.

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