Jan. 22, 2009
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NORMAL, Ill. -
Kristi Cirone became Illinois State's women's basketball all-time assists leader while leading Illinois State to a 75-62 victory over Evansville on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Thursday evening. Illinois State extends its win streak to three to improve to 14-4 overall and 5-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Evansville falls to 8-9 overall and 1-5 in the Valley.
With 587 career assists, Cirone surpassed the previous record set by Denise Norton (583) during the 1978-82 seasons. The record-breaking assist came at the 8:36 mark in the first half on a jumper by sophomore Emily Hanley.
The Redbirds had three players scoring in double-digits. Cirone (18), Maggie Krick (11) and Shala Jackson (14) were Illinois State's leading scorers. Jackson recorded her second career double-double game with 10 rebounds. Illinois State shot 27-for-60 from the field with a 45.0 percent shooting average.
Evansville's, Shannon Novosel led the team with 14 points and four rebounds. The Purple Aces were 22-for-59 from the field and shot 37.3 percent.
Cirone started the half for Illinois State by sinking her 200th three-point bucket, making her the second women's basketball player at Illinois State to accomplish the feat. Illinois State and Evansville teams were neck and neck with four lead changes in the first half.
The Redbirds began to pull away from the Purple Aces late in the first half and led going into the break, 42-33. The Redbirds had 20 points in the paint and 15 second-chance points while Evansville had six points in the paint and four second-chance points in the first half.
Illinois State came out strong after the break. The Redbirds led 49-40 with 16:09 left to play after a fast-break layup by Ashleen Bracey. The Purple Aces tried to respond, but they were unable to knock down critical shots. Illinois State took advantage and extended its lead to 20 points going on a 13-2 run. Illinois State clinched the win with a layup by Hanley, giving the Redbirds their third-straight win.
The Redbirds are back in action Saturday when they host Southern Illinois at 12:05 p.m. on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
