By ISU Sports Information
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Illinois State Women’s Basketball secured their second MVC win of the season as they took down the Evansville Aces 67-43.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Evansville won possession, but was unsuccessful as Hannah Green denied their first shot of the game. The teams battled it out in the first, tying twice and changing the lead five times. Redbirds trailed by as much as six points, but finished ahead as Green netted a three just seconds before the buzzer to lead 14-12.
The Redbirds outscored the Aces 17-4 in the second quarter to grow the gap at halftime to 31-16. Katrina Beck tossed a half-court shot up at the halftime buzzer to score her third 3-pointer of the game.
The Redbirds led by 23 points at the end of the third quarter, which is the largest deficit the Birds have held over an opponent this season. The Redbirds opened the third with four points within the first minute to lead 35-16. The Aces responded with a five-point run to trail by 14, but the Redbird defense remained dominant. Illinois State finished the third at a comfortable 53-30 lead.
Redbirds remained consistent throughout the fourth quarter and never gave up a lead, resulting in a 67-43 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Green captured a new career high of 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Birds. Green continues to be a blocking machine, as she denied three shots tonight.
- Beck went 3-for-4 behind the arc and secured 17 points to aid the Redbirds past the Aces. She also grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists.
- In her 17 minutes of play, Millie Stevens secured 13 points and eight rebounds. This is her first double digit game of the season and the most rebounds she has grabbed in a game.
- Hannah Noe averages 15.1 points per game for the Aces. The Redbirds held Noe to eight points.
Stat of the Game
- Tonight’s 67-43 victory is the largest margin the Birds have secured over an opponent. This is also the most points the team has scored in a game this season.
Quotes from Coach
“I thought our team played with a tremendous amount of confidence and I think that carried over from the Southern Illinois game.”
On Millie Stevens’ performance – “ We talk about how you can positively impact our team every day. Millie starts the game 0-for-2 but then comes back with five offensive rebounds. She was a positive energy giver tonight and embodied what we talk about.”
What’s Next
The team finishes the second game of the road swing on Sunday in Terra Haute, Indiana as they take on the Sycamores of Indiana State.
