Dec. 19, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State used a 15-8 run mid-way through the first half to overcome an early Western Illinois charge, and leads the visiting Westerwinds, 37-34, at halftime of Wednesday's non-conference contest on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. Kristi Cirone led ISU with eight first-half points.
Western Illinois came out hot, hitting six-of its first seven shots to take a 14-9 lead. But the Redbirds stayed within striking distance, and cut the lead to 20-19 at the game's second media timeout (10:07). Tiffany Hudson paced ISU's early charge with two three-pointers, while Cirone chipped in with five points. WIU's Stephanie Lovingwood had eight points in the first eight minutes.
The Redbirds took their first lead (24-22) with 7:23 remaining in the opening stanza after a three-pointer by Cirone. The Redbirds held the Westerwinds to just two points over the ensuing four minutes, and built as large as a six-point advantage. Ashleen Bracey and Nicolle Lewis each converted field goals in the stretch. But Western Illinois ended the half on a 10-7 spree, and cut the lead to 37-34 heading into the locker room at halftime.
Cirone's eight points led a balanced scoring attack for ISU. Lewis and Maggie Krick each contributed six points, Shala Jackson added five and Bracey chipped in with four points.
WIU owns an 18-17 rebounding advantage and has tallied six steals.
