![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2017/12/21193103/ViriaLivingstonAction-goredbirds2.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Illinois State Women’s Basketball became the 2017 Beach Classic Champions as they took down Northeastern 65-55.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Redbirds opened the game as Viria Livingston drove to the basket for two. The Huskies faced difficulty against the ISU defense early on and the Redbirds pulled a 4-0 lead. Gabby Giacone put Northeastern on the board with 6:59 on the clock to trail 4-2. The Huskies picked up momentum to push ahead 7-4. Megan Talbot responded for the Redbirds and netted a three-pointer to tie the game 7-7. The teams tied three times with two lead changes, but the Redbirds would finish ahead 10-9 at the end of the first.
The Huskies took off on a five-point run to open the second quarter, and would lead by as much as six points. Illinois State fought to the finish and tied the game 24-24 at halftime.
Redbirds took control in the third quarter as Hannah Green opened the second half with a three-pointer to snag a 27-24 lead. Huskies did not respond and Green was fouled at the basket. She went 2-for-2 at the charity stripe to put the Redbirds at 30-24. The Redbirds remained strong on offense and never gave up the lead in the third and to sit 43-41 going into the fourth.
The Redbirds carried that momentum into the final quarter of the Beach Classic Tournament and would not look back. The Huskies came within reach, but the Redbirds were too much to overcome. Illinois State powered through the final quarter and finished with a 65-55 victory to become the 2017 Beach Classic Champions.
ALL-TOURNAMENT
Following the game, Long Beach announced members to the Beach Classic All-Tournament team. Senior forward Hannah Green and Simone Goods made the list. Goods was named as the tournament MVP.