Jan. 10, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player and Scholar-Athlete of the Week Kristi Cirone poured in a game-high 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting to lead Illinois State's women's basketball team (13-1, 3-0 MVC) to a wire-to-wire, 74-53 win over visiting Northern Iowa (5-8, 1-1 MVC) on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Wednesday night. The victory extended the Redbirds' winning streak to nine-straight.
After Illinois State built a lead as large as 10-points in the first half, the Panthers pulled within four (28-24) heading into the locker room at intermission. But the Redbirds stormed back with a 25-10 run to start the second half, and coasted to the convincing victory.
Maggie Krick (13 points), Shala Jackson (12) and Nicolle Lewis (10) joined Cirone in double-figures for ISU. UNI was led by Jacqui Kalin's 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
The Redbirds held a 34-26 rebounding advantage, had 16 assists compared to UNI's five and forced the Panthers into 21 turnovers.
"I'm proud of the way we came out and really attacked in the second half," said ISU head coach Robin Pingeton. "I wish we could have had some of that energy in the first half. But it was a great win for us. We've got some things to shore up, but can really build on how we played in the second half."
Illinois State got off to a quick start, jumping to an 8-2 lead at the first media timeout (15:15). Krick and Lewis both had field goals in the paint, and Cirone added a three-pointer in the spurt. But UNI fought back, and pulled within four, 12-8, with 10:39 remaining in the opening stanza. Kalin had four quick points for UNI to spearhead the run.
The Redbirds regained control in the ensuing four-minute stretch, collecting a 17-10 lead at the third media timeout (7:58). Krick started the spree with a transition layup following a steal, and Lewis followed with a conventional three-point play. Cirone single-handedly kept ISU's lead intact in the ensuing stages, scoring seven of the Redbirds' next nine points. But the Panthers stayed in striking distance, pulling within 26-19 with 3:09 remaining.
UNI finished the half on a 5-2 spurt, and pulled within four, 28-24, after Kalin's buzzer- beating, driving basket at the buzzer. She finished the stanza with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
The Redbirds started the second half on a dominating 25-10 run over the first 11:00. Cirone started the flurry with a three-pointer, and Krick and Tiffany Hudson followed with treys to push the lead to 36-26 just four and a half minutes into the frame.
By the third media timeout, ISU had built a 19-point advantage, 53-34. Jackson put the finishing touches on the run by converting three, three-point field goals. Nicole Clausen brought UNI back within 14, 53-39, after consecutive free throws, but the Panthers could draw no closer for the remainder of the game.
Illinois State will continue Valley play Sunday, when the Redbirds travel to Peoria, Ill., for a game against in-state rival Bradley. Tip-off from Robertson Field House is set for 2:05 p.m.
