Feb. 10, 2011
Box Score |
Photo Gallery 
Post-Game Interview
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State extended its overall win streak to six games and improved to 11-0 at home this season, as the Redbirds (16-6, 8-3 MVC) held off Wichita State (10-12, 4-7 MVC), 69-60, Thursday night at Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
The Redbirds, who have won 13-consecutive MVC homes games dating back to last season, outscored the Shockers 41-30 in the second half. Four ISU players reached double figures, with Emily Hanley netting a game-high 20 points and grabbing a team-best seven rebounds. Katie Broadway scored 16 points, including 12 second-half points, while Shala Jackson and Hannah Spanich each scored 11. The Redbirds shot 49 percent from the field, while the Shockers shot 41 percent.
The Redbirds opened the game on a 6-2 run, with Jackson and Hanley teaming up to put ISU in front early. The Shockers responded, outscoring ISU, 8-3, over the next 4:44 to take a 12-9 lead. Later in the first half, with the Redbirds trailing, 17-15, Kenyatta Shelton scored a layup that fueled a 9-2 lead to give the Redbirds a 24-19 advantage with 6:12 remaining.
Wichita State proceeded to outscore the Redbirds 11-2 over the next 5:16, giving the Shockers a four-point lead, but the Redbirds got the last word as Amanda Clifton scored on a clutch layup with two seconds remaining in the first half to pull ISU within two, 30-28, at halftime.
The Redbirds tied the game in the opening minute of the second half on two free throws by Jackson, but the Shockers quickly regained the lead with a Chynna Turner three-pointer. The Redbirds took their first lead of the second half on a Broadway three-point basket, which gave ISU a 39-37 lead with 14:41 to play. The ISU defense proceeded to hold Wichita State scoreless over the next 3:47, as the Redbirds took an eight-point advantage on a pair of Spanich free throws with 9:43 left.
The Shockers once again answered, this time with a 6-0 run to pull within 50-48 with 8:52 remaining. But, that's as close as Wichita State got, as ISU went on an 11-2 run, holding the Shockers scoreless over a 3:52 span, and building the Redbird lead to 61-52.
Illinois State will try to keep its winning streak alive as the Redbirds take on Missouri State Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for this season's PINK game, in support of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
