Illinois State continued its losing streak against Stephen F. Austin, falling 66-60 in its final game of the Junkanoo Jam Saturday. The Redbirds have dropped all three meetings with the Lady Jacks.
After SFA made two baskets for every one Illinois State (0-3) bucket for the first six minutes, Amber Sheltons layup at 14:04 keyed an 11-2 run by the Redbirds. The Redbirds held a 15-12 advantage following the run, which included a three-point play by Katie Donovan and a Sara Stevenson three pointer, and ended with a three-point play by Shelton.
With the Birds shooting just 27.8 percent from the field, including 14.3 percent from beyond the arc, SFA (1-2) took a 29-26 lead into the locker room at halftime. Illinois States shooting woes continued at the charity stripe, where the Redbirds were four-for-11 in the first half.
At 14:26 in the second half, the Lady Jacks went on an 11-2 run that started with a pair of free throws and ended the same way at 11:05. Illinois State responded with a 16-5 run to cut the lead to three at 58-55 with 3:32 left in the game. Donovan started the run with a three pointer at 9:31 and Ashley Sandstead finished it off with a three pointer and a layup off a steal. Jaci McCormack cut the lead to 60-57 with 2:10 left but that was as close as the Birds would get.
Donovan led the Redbirds with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Shelton finished with 12 tallies and 7 rebounds off the bench.
The Redbirds will be looking for their first win of the season in their home opener against Ball State Dec. 1 at 7:05 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
