Nov. 24, 2009
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NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State missed 13 consecutive baskets during a ten-and-a-half-minute field goal drought late in the second half and dropped a 62-51 decision to in-state rival Illinois on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Tuesday night.
The Redbirds (2-2) ended the first half on a hot streak while running to a seven-point lead at the break but went cold during the game's waning moments and dropped the first meeting between the schools at Redbird Arena since 2004. Illinois State was limited to two field goals during the game's final 11:48 and shot 31 percent from the field.
Maggie Krick led Illinois State's scoring efforts with 17 points and was joined in double figures by Shala Jackson (11) and Nicolle Lewis (10). Lewis and Ashleen Bracey pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Illinois State out-rebounded Illinois on the offensive end 14-9, and outscored the Illini (4-1) 22-14 in the paint, but the second-half drought proved the difference.
The first half ended much differently as Illinois State connected on four of their final five shots of the half, including a three-pointer by Hanna Spanich as time expired. The Redbirds used a 12-4 run to erase a seven-point first half deficit and took their first lead of the game on a put back by Emily Hanley with 3:54 to go. Illinois State scored the last eight points of the first half to lead 31-24 at the break.
The Fighting Illini unleashed a barrage of three-pointers to begin the second half and hit three of their seven total makes in the first five minutes. Macie Blinn connected on No. 4 for Illinois and tied the game at 40 with 12:46 to play. Lewis' jumper at 11:48 gave the Redbirds a 42-40 edge, but it was the last bucket Illinois State would score until Lewis notched an offensive rebound and put back with 1:05 to go. Alexis Jenkins added another basket for the Redbirds with 40 seconds remaining.
Illinois' Jenna Smith led all scorers with 19 points, despite missing several minutes of the first half in foul trouble, and Lacey Simpson scored 14. Smith also tallied a game-high nine rebounds.
The Redbirds conclude their three-game home stand with Northern Illinois at Redbird Arena (Dec. 4), before closing non-conference play with four of five on the road. Single game and season tickets for Illinois State's home events can be purchased by visiting GoRedbirds.com or calling the Redbird Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
