Dec. 30, 2011
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Play-by-Play Highlights
NORMAL, Ill. -
Four Redbirds scored in double-figures to lead Illinois State past Southern Illinois, 75-51, in the Missouri Valley Conference opener Friday night on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. ISU improves to 6-6 overall and 1-0 in the MVC, while SIU falls to 3-8 and 0-1.
Jamie Russell led all scorers with 19 points, nine rebounds and four steals, while Marley Hall contributed 16 points with nine rebounds. Candace Sykes had 13 points and six rebounds, and Katie Broadway scored 10 points with five boards. The Redbirds shot 40 percent from the field compared to Southern Illinois' 28 percent. Illinois State committed 13 turnovers and the Salukis had 21 turnovers, which ISU converted into 25 points. SIU was led by Cartaesha Macklin's 18 points.
Hall scored three of ISU's first four field goals to give the Redbirds an early 8-7 lead. After Southern Illinois regained the advantage, Maddie Oliver tied the game, 11-11, and sparked a 16-3 run from 12:52 until 6:25. The Redbirds took the lead after Russell made a steal and passed to Sykes, who scored a three-pointer. Russell added to ISU's advantage with back-to-back defensive rebounds and fast-break layups, making the score, 18-11, with 11:31 left in the first half.
The Salukis pulled within four with a 7-0 run from 6:02 to 4:13, which cut ISU's lead to 24-20. However, Illinois State outscored Southern Illinois 10-1 over the final four minutes to take a 34-21 halftime advantage. Russell scored the final two layups of the half, putting up a fast-break bucket as time expired. Russell finished the first half with 13 points, to lead all scorers.
ISU started the second half on a 9-2 run, which included a layup and a three-pointer by Broadway. Another jumper by Broadway at 15:17 put the Redbirds ahead by 22 points, which was their largest lead so far in the game, 47-22.
Southern Illinois answered with a 10-0 run from 14:52 to 12:28, cutting its deficit to 47-35. ISU responded with a 10-2 run. The Redbirds eventually established a 26-point lead, which was their largest of the game. ISU capped off its scoring output with a three-point play by Chloe Nelson, who scored a layup and a free-throw after being fouled in the act of shooting, making the final score 75-51.
The Redbirds stay at home to face with conference rival Evansville New Year's Day at Redbird Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 12:05 p.m.
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