Steph Reichles 17 points led a balanced scoring attack that had three players in double figures, but the Illinois State womens basketball team dropped its home opener, 72-62, to Central Michigan Sunday at Redbird Arena.
The Birds, 0-2, led 16-15 after Reichles three-point basket with 10:43 left in the first half and had made 7 of their first 14 shots. But Illinois State went cold after that, missing 13 of their next 15 attempts as CMU went on a 21-6 run to take a 36-22 lead. ISU scored the final five points in the first half, but still trailed 36-27 at intermission.
Starting center Kristi Larson saw limited action battling bronchitis while freshman forward Sophie Tirtiaux, who was impressive during exhibitions, missed the game with an injury to her upper leg. Sophomore forward Sharon blade played just 11 minutes before fouling out, leaving the Redbirds shorthanded in the post.
Redbird coach Jenny Yopp thought her team didnt deal well with adversity.
The key thing is resiliency, Illinois State coach Jenny Yopp said. When things werent going well for us defensively we deflated. Weve got to be able to handle things when the perfect plan doesnt work. The effort at the end of the first half and at teh end of the game is what we need for the entire game.
The Chippewas stretched their lead to as many as 17 at 51-34 in the first eight minutes of the second half. ISU clawed back as Reichle tossed in six points in the last two minutes but the Birds could not overcome the deficit.
Reichle led all scorers with her 17 points in 13 minutes while sophomores Stacey White and Taren OBriend each tossed in 11. Desiree Eidson led the Chippewas, who improve to 2-1, with 25 points. Three of CMUs five three-pont baskets came with the ball in the air as the 30-second shot clock ran out.
We had a bit of a slow start in the first half, freshman guard Katie Donovan said. The second half was too little too late. We struggled boxing out and their second shots really hurt us.
If we shoot well we have a good chance of winning, and today we had a good combination that could score, Chippewa coach Eileen Kleinfelter said. I was very concerned with their three-point shooting coming into the game. They played a smaller lineup and I think taht help us out.
Were coming together, Redbird guard Taren OBrien said. We know people say were young, we dont watn to hear that anymore. We came here to play. If we pick up our defense things will happen on offense.
The Redbirds play host to Louisville at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Redbird Arena.
