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By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State fell short in its season opener at Oakland University 64-43 on Saturday.
How It Happened
The Redbirds opened the game as Viria Livingston connected with Simone Goods for two. The Golden Grizzlies responded with a three point streak to pull a 3-2 lead. The Redbirds faced turnover trouble and Oakland took advantage. Sha’Keya Graves led the Golden Grizzlies with seven points put the Golden Grizzlies ahead 16-12 at the end of the first quarter.
The Redbirds held Oakland to 10 points in the second, but were unable to get back on top resulting in a 26-21 halftime score. Simone Goods led the Redbirds with 11 points and five rebounds at the half.
Goods continued to rack up stats to finish with a double-double for the Rebirds, but her effort was not enough to put a stop against the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland continued to heighten the gap and the Redbirds would not be able to overcome the deficit in the second half, resulting in a 64-43 loss.
Key Moment
Paige Saylor kept her team alive as she scored a 3-pointer to tie the game 18-18 in the second. Saylor’s shot was the last time the Redbirds tied the game.
Inside the Box Score
- First-year Redbird Simone Goods was the top performer today with a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
- Oakland racked up seven 3-pointers compared to ISU’s two.
- The Golden Grizzlies had three players rack up double digit points, but no players added a double-double.
Stat of the Game.
The Redbirds were defensively strong as they out-rebounded the Golden Grizzlies 41-40.
What’s Next
The Redbirds return home to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena, to take on Northern Kentucky for the home opener on Wednesday. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m.