By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Women’s Basketball secured a 39-36 victory over the Salukis to take the two-game series.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams were scoreless for almost the first two minutes of the game, but Nicole Martin would put the first basket in for the Salukis with 8:15 on the clock. The Redbirds got caught in turnover trouble, but managed to guard hard and pull a 4-3 lead with 5:41 in the first. Katrina Beck expanded the lead with a 3-pointer and was followed by Simone Goodswith two. Salukis responded and tied the game at 9-9 to conclude the first quarter.
The Redbird defense remained dominant in the second quarter, holding the Salukis to five points. The Redbirds went to the locker room at halftime with a 16-14 lead.
The Redbirds opened the third quarter with a quick four points with a free-throw by Beck and a 3-pointer from Hannah Green. Illinois State kept the lead throughout the entirety of the third and led by three as they entered the final ten minutes of the game.
The Salukis made a comeback and pulled their first lead of the second half as Kylie Giebelhausen netted a shot behind the arc with 8:06 to play. Both teams were scoreless for four minutes, and the drought was stopped by Green with 4:03 remaining. Green sank a three to tie the game 35-35. Salukis were sent to the line and took a one-point lead with 3:25 on the clock. Goods put the Birds back on top 37-36 with a layup. Goods was fouled on the next Redbird possession and she puts the team ahead 38-36. Salukis attempt an answer and are stopped by the Redbird defense with 15 seconds to play. Southern, found themselves desperate to buy time and fouled Megan Talbot, sending her to the line. Talbot went 1-for-2 to keep ISU ahead 39-36. Salukis had four seconds to secure a tie game and are called on a double-dribble before the shot. The buzzer sounds and gives the Redbirds their second victory over Southern Illinois.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Green led with 12 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Her five rejected shots, ties her season high.
- Goods followed with nine points, five rebounds and two blocks. Goods is just three rebounds away from securing 100 career rebounds in her first year as a Redbird.
- The last time the Redbirds swept the Salukis was in 2014.
- Giebelhausen led for the Salukis with eight points and grabbed two rebounds. Freshman Abby Brockmeyer added four points, eight rebounds and three points.
Stat of the Game
- The Redbirds held the Salukis to their lowest score of the season at 36 points. This is also the lowest score the Redbirds have held an opponent this season.
- This is the first time since 2012-13 that the Redbirds have won three-straight MVC games.
Quotes from Coach
“I am disappointed in how we played, but we will take a win.”
“She is an unsung hero. You are not going to look at the stat sheet and be wowed. She is a huge key to our success.”
What’s Next
The Redbirds finish the weekend at Missouri State on Sunday with tip-off time set for 2 p.m.
