Nov. 15, 2007
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. - -
Led by freshman Shala Jackson's career-high 20 points, Illinois State beat the Green Bay Phoenix, 79-70, Thursday night at Redbird Arena. It was the first time in four meetings that the Redbirds have defeated Green Bay.
Jackson was 8-of-11 from the field and shot 2-of-3 from behind the arc, while going 2-of-3 from the line. Jackson's 10 points in each half made her the first ISU freshman to score 20 points in a game since current Redbird sophomore Maggie Krick scored 20 against Drake Dec. 31, 2006.
Junior Kristi Cirone chipped in 14 points while dishing out five assists. Cirone's point total gave her 16-straight games with at least 10 points. Senior Tiffany Hudson finished with 10 points and five assists. Sophomore Ashleen Bracey also had a big night for the Redbirds, as the Oak Park, Ill., native scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Krick was the other `Bird in double-digits with 14 points.
The Redbirds shot 54.9 percent from the field for the game, including 41.2 percent from three-point range. Illinois State did not attempt a free throw in the first half, but sank 16-of-24 in the second half. The Redbird defense forced 21 Phoenix turnovers in the game.
The `Birds went on a 22-4 run early in the second half and built a 24-point lead (61-37). ISU shot 11-of-13 from the field during that time span. Green Bay responded with a 24-10 run to pull within 10 at 71-61. The Phoenix pulled within seven in the final minute, before succumbing to ISU's offensive onslaught.
In the first half, the Redbirds built an early 6-1 lead on three fast-break layups. Green Bay fought back to take its first lead, 11-10. ISU came back with a 12-3 run to take its biggest lead of the half, 22-13. The Redbirds closed out the half with a 35-27 lead.
Illinois State will return to action Saturday when it takes on Tennessee-Martin at the USF Shootout in Tampa, Fla. Tip off is slated for 11 a.m. CST.
