![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2018/02/23215001/teamHuddleDark1.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
CEDAR FALLS, IA.. –Illinois State Women’s Basketball dropped to the Northern Iowa Panthers, 66-48.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbirds faced difficulty from the field early on, and the Panthers took advantage pulling a quick 7-0 lead. Viria Livingston put the ‘Birds on the board with 6:49 in the first as she drove to the basket for two. The Panthers continued to pull ahead and Illinois State would trail 17-10 at the conclusion of the first.
Both teams put in 12 points in the second quarter for a halftime score of 29-22. Illinois State was led by Livingston with seven points and Megan Talbot added five.
The Redbirds rallied back in the third and found their first lead of the game as Hannah Green knocked down a three with 3:57 on the clock. The Panthers answered with a five-point run to push back ahead 40-37. Megan Talbot connected with Green for two to tighten the gap to one. This would be the last score for the ‘Birds in the third and the Panthers finished with two three-point shots to lead at the end of the third, 46-39.
The Redbirds opened the fourth with a layup from Katrina Beck, to trail 41-46. The Panthers responded with a run and the Redbirds entered a scoring drought. Illinois State was scoreless for more than five minutes and the Panthers pulled ahead. They racked up a 62-41 lead with 3:05 to play. Green added two more for the Birds, but the comeback was too late. The Panthers finished on top 66-48.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Livingston led the ‘Birds with 13 points, shooting 100 percent from behind the arc going 3-for-3.
- Green captured her 500th career point as a Redbird, also scoring in double digits for the ‘Birds with 11.
- Talbot grabbed eight boards, added nine points and three assists.
- Saylor remained a defensive threat with three steals in tonight’s contest.
- The Panthers were led by Megan Maahs with 18 points, she was followed by Ellie Howell with 13 and Kennedy Kirkpatrick with 10.
QUOTES FROM COACH
“That first and fourth quarters we just didn’t defend.”
“We spent all week preparing for this and at this point in the season we have to be better…it’s just disappointing.”
What’s Next
The Redbirds finish the Iowa road swing at Drake on Sunday with a tip-off time set for 2 p.m.