Dec. 6, 2008
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NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State had six players in double-figures and held its opponent under 50 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1975 in an 83-47 win over Eastern Michigan on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Saturday.
For the first time since 1989, the Redbirds (4-3) had six players in double-figures as Kristi Cirone led the way for Illinois State with 14 points and was joined by Katie Broadway (13), Ashleen Bracey (11), Shala Jackson (10), Nicolle Lewis (10) and Emily Hanley (10). Hanley and Lewis led the Redbirds in rebounds with eight each, and Cirone added eight assists.
Illinois State's defense dominated from the outset, holding the Eagles (2-6) scoreless for the first 7:55 while building a 14-0 lead. The Redbirds kept Eastern Michigan out of double-figures for almost 18 minutes and held the Eagles to 20.7-percent shooting in the first half. Illinois State led 40-14 at the break, its largest halftime lead of the season.
Out of the break, Illinois State used the same formula to force a pair of early turnovers and key a 10-0 run to start the half. The Redbirds led by as many as 36 in the second half, and despite a better shooting effort in the second half by the Eagles, were able to hang on for the win.
Illinois State held advantages in most categories, including shooting percentage (44.0-32.0), rebounds (52-35), assists (22-7), turnovers (10-21), blocks (7-1) and steals (11-6). Illinois State outscored Eastern Michigan, 28-8, in points off turnovers, and held a 16-8 advantage in fast-break points.
The Redbirds have held their opponent to under 50 points in back-to-back contests for the first time since March 7, 1975, when Illinois State beat Indiana State (58-49), before topping Calvin College (60-46) in the AIAW Regional Tournament. Illinois State defeated Western Illinois, 80-49 Wednesday.
Illinois State continues its non-conference slate with a trip to Wisconsin-Green Bay next Saturday (Dec. 13). The Redbirds will play the next four games on the road before hosting Eastern Illinois at Redbird Arena (Dec. 29).
