Jan. 24, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State women's basketball team, off to its best start in 17 years, was recognized by receiving a vote in the USA Today/ESPN Division I basketball coaches poll, released Tuesday afternoon.
The Redbirds are (14-4, 7-0) off to a perfect 7-0 start in Valley play heading into Thursday's game at Northern Iowa. Illinois State's current seven-game winning streak also ties the longest streak under current fourth-year head coach Robin Pingeton, and marks its best start to a league slate since 1988-89, when the `Birds jumped out of the gate with a 16-0 record in Gateway Conference play.
In the Jan. 21, 2007 version of the NCAA Division I statistics, Illinois State's offense was well represented. The Redbirds were among the top-25 in four offensive categories: scoring offense (13th, 77.4 ppg); field goal percentage (15th, 46.3 percent); three-point field goals made per game (22nd, 6.7) and assists per game (15th, 17.2). In ISU's 14 wins, it has out-rebounded each opponent.
After playing their first-ever game at Northern Iowa's McCleod Center Thursday, the Redbirds will return home Sunday to face off against in-state rival Bradley. Tip-off from Redbird Arena is set for 2:05 p.m.
