Braves hold off Redbirds in Normal

Posted on January 31, 2015

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL– The Illinois State women’s basketball team had a shot at the buzzer to tie, but it was off the mark and ISU (0-19, 0-8 MVC) fell to rival Bradley, 58-55 Friday night at Redbird Arena.

Octavia Crump and Mary Sims each recorded career-highs in points and led the way for the Redbirds. Crump dropped a game-high 22 points while Sims tallied 13. Both players grabbed six rebounds and dished out two assists.

Both teams started off hot from the field in the second half, and ISU cut the Bradley lead down to five before the first media timeout. The Braves withstood the run though, and kept the ISU deficit around seven-to-ten.

Midway through the second half the Redbirds made another run. This time they would not be denied, as Katy Winge grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to give ISU a 53-51 lead with three minutes to play. It was ISU’s first lead since early in the first half.

The two teams traded baskets and the lead down to the final buzzer and Bradley picked up its third win of the season.

The Redbirds started the game 3-7 from the field, but three turnovers allowed Bradley to have the lead at the first media timeout. ISU then went on a seven and a half minute drought, in which they went 0-8 shooting. Octavia Crump snapped the drought with a pair of free throws and the Braves were only able to extend their lead to six during the drought.

However, Bradley converted five of their next seven field goals and stretched its lead to 11. ISU’s poor shooting continued, until Taylor Stewart drained a three-pointer, the first ISU field goal in over 11 minutes.

Again, the Braves countered, this time with four-straight threes and kept the ‘Birds at bay. At half Bradley led 34-24, aided by 14 points in the paint and 44 percent shooting. Crump led the Redbirds with 10 points and three rebounds in the first half.

Bradley outrebounded the Redbirds 37-28 and also held the advantage in points in the paint and second chance points. For 33 minutes Bradley led as there were four ties and five lead changes. ISU shot 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from three-point land.

The Redbirds will be at home again Sunday when they host Loyola. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.

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