Dec. 16, 2007
OXFORD, Ohio -
Three players scored in double-figures in the first half to lead Illinois State to a 47-29 halftime lead over Miami (Ohio) on Sunday, Dec. 16. The 47 points are the most the `Birds have scored in a half this season. Sophomore center Nicolle Lewis leads the way with 12 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 performance from the free throw line. Junior guard Kristi Cirone and sophomore forward Ashleen Bracey each have 10 points at the break.
The Redbirds showed no signs of rust after their 12-day layoff, jumping out to a 7-0 lead to start the game. The RedHawks answered with a 10-2 run to take their first and only lead of the first half, 10-9, just under the 16 minute mark. Just like the previous two games, ISU went on a big run to pull ahead, outscoring the RedHawks 34-10 over the next 12 minutes, including a 17-2 spurt, to take a 43-20 lead. Bracey, Cirone and Lewis combined for 26 of the Redbird points during the run. Miami managed a 9-4 run to close out the half and cut the deficit to 47-29 at intermission.
