Jan. 18, 2010
Box Score
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -
Ashleen Bracey's 15th-career double-double was a memorable one. Bracey recorded career-highs with 26 points and 17 rebounds to lead Illinois State (11-5, 4-1 MVC) over Missouri State (12-5, 4-2 MVC), 81-72, at JQH Arena Monday night. With the win, Illinois State moved into second place in the Valley standings.
Bracey's 26 points surpassed her previous career-high of 24, which she achieved twice in the previous two seasons. Her 17 rebounds were the most she has had since the 16 she grabbed twice in the 2008 State Farm MVC Tournament.
"I am really proud of Ashleen's effort tonight," said head coach Robin Pingeton. "She came out with great focus and played with a lot of intensity. Every time she hits the floor, she wants to win so badly. We have talked a lot this year about focusing and playing against the opponent, not playing against herself. She showed a lot of confidence tonight and showed how high her potential is."
Katie Broadway, who came into the game shooting 73 percent from three-point range over the last three games, made three more triples and scored 13 points. Emily Hanley was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line contributing to her 10 points and had six rebounds. For the fifth time in the last seven games, Amanda Clifton tied her career-best with five assists.
Four-straight layups in a two-minute span doubled up the score, 26-13, in favor of the Redbirds. Missouri State scored six-straight points to pull back within seven, but the Redbird inside game continued to produce with two more scores. Bracey hit a jumper just before the buzzer to give ISU a 10-point edge at halftime, 36-26.
Bracey earned her double-double in the first half with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Shala Jackson added eight, all in the paint. The Redbirds scored 24 points in the paint and had 17 points off turnovers.
Bracey scored six and Krick and Broadway each knocked down a three-pointer as ISU came storming out of the gate in the second half with 12 points in the first four minutes. Bracey and Broadway each knocked down three-pointers during a 12-2 run that put ISU ahead, 62-41, with just under 12 minutes left in the game.
Missouri State came right back with an 18-5 run to cut the deficit down to single-digits for the first time since late in the first half, 67-59, with 5:57 remaining. Kendra Roberts hit a leaning jumper to draw the Lady Bears within seven, 73-66, three minutes later. They would get no closer, as ISU hit six free throws down the stretch.
Illinois State returns home to take on Southern Illinois Thursday at 7:05 p.m.
