Dec. 31, 2009
Final Stats |
Photo Gallery 
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State closed out 2009 in successful fashion, as the Redbirds defeated Drake 77-58 at Redbird Arena Thursday afternoon in both team's Missouri Valley Conference opener. The `Birds were led by Ashleen Bracey, who recorded her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds in the victory over the Bulldogs.
Nicolle Lewis led all scorers with 19 points, as she shot 8-for-10 from the field and added five rebounds and a season-high four blocked shots. Maggie Krick had a solid all-around game with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists as well for the Redbirds.
The Redbirds (7-4, 1-0) dominated the boards, 44-34, as four ISU players had at least five rebounds. Emily Hanley led a strong performance from the ISU bench, with nine points and five rebounds as the Redbird subs outscored Drake 22-9.
ISU maintained a steady lead throughout the second half, and led by as many as 20 points after Krick nailed a three pointer at a 3:59 mark to make the score 71-51.
The Redbirds used a balance scoring attack in the first half to take control of the game, as Hanley (nine points), Lewis (nine points) and Bracey (eight points) contributed equally in the scoring duties. Bracey led the way with eight rebounds, as she pulled down five of the `Birds' nine offensive rebounds in the half.
Leading 18-16 at the 11:07 mark, the Redbirds used an 8-0 run to push their advantage to 26-16 on a three point basket by Katie Broadway at the 7:06 mark. From there, ISU continued to build on their advantage as they took a 40-25 lead into the locker room.
Jordann Plummer led Drake (7-4, 0-1) with 17 points, while Rachel Hackbarth and Monique Jones each chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
ISU's first game of 2010 will be Saturday when they host Missouri Valley rival Creighton. Tip-off is set for 2:05 p.m.
