![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2018/03/05134831/SimoneGoodsAction.jpg)
By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – With a strong start and a career-best day from its top scorer, Illinois State women’s basketball held off Saint Louis 72-67 on Thursday afternoon on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
Simone Goods led Illinois State (6-4) with 30 points, scoring the first 12 Redbird points on the way to a 20-10 lead through one quarter. TeTe Maggett contributed 19 points, including a bomb from beyond half-court at the first-half horn to give the Redbirds a 39-38 lead. Lexi Wallen added a career-high eight points and led the Birds with seven rebounds. Katrina Beck chipped in 11 points.
Freshman Ciaja Harbison led Saint Louis (4-7) with 20 points, seven assists and two steals.
The game was part of Education Day activities as an announced crowd of 3,500 comprised mostly of grade school students provided a high-energy background.
Illinois State concludes the non-conference portion of its schedule on Dec. 30 at University of Missouri-Kansas City for a 2 p.m. game.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].