Feb. 20, 2010
Box Score
CARBONDALE, Ill. -
Illinois State (20-5, 13-1 MVC) recorded a historic win at Southern Illinois (4-21, 3-12 MVC), beating the Salukis, 80-63, Saturday afternoon. The Redbirds reached the 20-win plateau for the fourth-consecutive season for the first time in program history.
The 20-win season is the 13th in Illinois State basketball history. The Redbirds extended their winning streaks to 13 games overall, tied for the third longest in school history, and 11 Valley games, tied for the second-longest ever.
"We don't focus on records or talk about them all that much, but this is a pretty special accomplishment," said ISU head coach Robin Pingeton. "We have been blessed with special players and coaches during my time at Illinois State who are always working hard to improve every season. This win was a solid team effort and we are very proud of the players."
Ashleen Bracey tied her career-high of 26 points for the third time this season, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor, including three three-pointers, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. She also had a career-high five steals. The Redbirds recorded 12 steals and forced 19 SIU turnovers.
Maggie Krick had 12 points and a season-high seven assists. Nicolle Lewis chipped in nine points, four rebounds and two steals. She also played in the 134th game of her career, breaking the Illinois State record held by Deb Benak since 1983.
Bracey scored 13 points in the first 10 minutes, matching SIU's entire output as a team and helping the Redbirds double up the score, 26-13. She made four of her first six shots and hit four-straight free throws to start the game.
Krick, Katie Broadway and Hannah Spanich all hit crucial threes as the Redbirds maintained their 13-point edge into halftime, 42-29. ISU shot 7-for-14 on three-pointers in the first half, with six different players connecting from long range.
Bracey started out the second half just as strong, making two three-pointers in less than a minute, as ISU pushed its lead to 52-36 at 16:22.A jumper by Krick two minutes later put the Redbirds ahead by 20, 58-38.
Southern Illinois cut the lead down to 12 points midway through the half, but never got any closer. The Redbirds led by double-figures the entire second half.
Christine Presswood led the Salukis with 23 points, connecting on five three-pointers. Stephany Neptune had 14 points and eight rebounds.
Illinois State returns home Thursday to host Bradley at 7:35 p.m.
