Nov. 19, 2009
Final Stats |
Photo Gallery 
NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State forward Ashleen Bracey scored a 24 points and pulled down seven rebounds - both game highs - to lead Illinois State to a tough 79-67 win over South Dakota State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Thursday night.
Bracey made 9-of-15 from the floor, including both three-point attempts, and snagged seven boards to lead all players. Illinois State (2-1) was outshot by South Dakota State (1-2), 57 percent-to-43.3 percent, but used a stifling defensive effort to force 25 turnovers. Illinois State also held an edge inside, outscoring SDSU 24-12 in the paint. The Jackrabbits were impressive from outside the arc as 33 of the team's 67 points were made off of three-pointers.
The Redbird's Nicole Lewis won the tipoff and Illinois State scored the game's first points, but it was a tough battle early on as both teams showed exemplary defense down low. The score stayed within five points for majority of the first half as the lead changed eight times. Bracey led the `Birds with 12 first-half points and Shala Jackson covered the glass with three offensive rebounds in the opening period - part of four total first-half rebounds. The Redbirds led 37-32 at the break.
The second half saw more back-and-forth action as both teams challenged for the lead. South Dakota State continued its hot shooting and tied the game at 38 early in the second after a 6-1 run. Maggie Krick shook off a quiet first half and opened-up with a deep three-pointer at the 10-minute mark to give the `Birds momentum and a 51-49 lead. Krick finished the game with 19 points with 13 coming after the break.
Bracey gave Illinois State a seven-point advantage, its largest lead of the game, at 4:11, and a pair of free throws by Jackson further moved the margin to 69-60. Bracey's shot was the last field goal the Birds would need in the game, as the Jackrabbits reverted to fouling and the game turned into a free-throw shooting contest. Illinois State finished with 28 made free throws, three shy of the Redbird Arena record.
Hannah Spanich contributed 15 points to join Bracey and Krick in double figures. Emily Hanley and Jackson both scored nine.
Maria Boever led the Jackrabbits with 19 points, followed by Kristin Rotert (15), Jennie Sunnarborg (12) and Macie Michelson (10). The Jackrabbits converted 11-of-23 three-point attempts (47.8 percent) in the game.
The Redbirds will continue a three-game homestand against Big Ten rival Illinois in Redbird Arena, Tuesday Nov. 24, at 7:05 p.m., and will host Norhtern Illinois (Dec. 4).
