Jan. 13, 2008
PEORIA, Ill. -
A blistering shooting performance from the field propelled Illinois State to a 50-25 lead over Bradley at halftime of the final game of the second weekend of Missouri Valley Conference play at Robertson Field House on Sunday, Jan. 13. The Redbirds' 50 points in the half were their most this season and it was the first time they put up 50 in a half since the first period at Indiana State last season. Sophomore guard Maggie Krick led the way with 15 points, including three three-pointers to become the 15th player in ISU history to eclipse 50-career treys.
Sophomore center Nicolle Lewis added 10 points and five rebounds and junior guard Kristi Cirone added eight points. ISU had 16 assists in the first half, on just 21 field goals, against just two turnovers and had five players with multiple helpers. The Redbirds recorded 13 assists before committing their first turnover. ISU was active on the offensive glass in the first half, collecting four offensive rebounds and putting back 10 second chance points.
The Redbirds had every starter score in the first seven minutes to build an 18-11 lead, paced by six points and four rebounds by Lewis. Bradley kept the game close as the two teams traded points on seven-consecutive possessions. Leading by five, 24-19, ISU went on a 15-0 run over a four-minute span to extend its advantage to 20 points, 39-19. Cirone, Jackson and Krick each connected on three-pointers as the Redbirds were 5-for-6 from the field during the run.
Bradley guard Devyn Flanagan snapped a five-minute scoring drought with a jumper at the 4:33 mark, but the Redbirds closed out the period with an 11-4 run to double up the Braves at halftime, 50-25.
