Feb. 4, 2011
Fresh off its first Valley road wins, ISU returns home for the first of three-straight games at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds begin the second half of the Valley season looking to avenge their first Valley loss of the seasons, hosting Indiana State Saturday at 4:05 p.m.
Saturday is Pack the Arena night. Redbird fans can still get free admission coupons by texting the keyword PACK to 71857 or clicking HERE to print tickets online.
Indiana State’s 74-55 win Jan. 8 snapped a four-game losing streak to the Redbirds. Illinois State’s last loss at the Hulman Center came in 2009. The Redbirds went on to beat the Sycamores at home a month later by 21 points.
REDBIRDS-SYCAMORES SERIES
Illinois State leads the all-time series with Indiana State, 42-35. The series, which began in 1972, is the second-longest in Illinois State history. Illinois State started out with a 30-16 record against Indiana State, including a string of 12-straight wins from 1980-87. Indiana State then won 13 of the next 14 meetings and Illinois State is 11-5 in the last 16 matchups. Last season, ISU swept the season series and beat the Sycamores, 76-39, in the MVC Tournament semifinals. Illinois State is 26-16 against Indiana State at home all-time, including wins in the last three meetings at Redbirds Arena.
FLASHBACK: INDIANA STATE 74 - ILLINOIS STATE 55 (1/8/11)
A hot start by Indiana State and Illinois State’s worst offensive performance of the season snapped the Redbirds’ five-game winning streak. Indiana State handed ISU its first MVC loss of the season, 74-55. The Sycamores broke out to a 19-2 lead to start the game, as ISU shot just 1-for-14 from the field. Once the Redbird offense got going, a three-pointer pulled them within seven, but Indiana State answered with 10-straight points to maintain control. Indiana State led by as many as 22 in the game. Indiana State shot 48.9 percent from the field and 95.7 percent from the free throw line, making all 13 free throws in the first half.
LAST TIME OUT
Illinois State ran its winning streak to four games with a 61-50 win at Evansville Jan. 29. Trailing by five at halftime, Illinois State limited Evansville to 13 points on 3-of-21 shooting in the second half. The Redbirds forced 21 turnovers and had 11 steals, led by Amanda Clifton’s season-high five. Hannah Spanich had 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.
REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD
February brought a winter storm into Bloomington-Normal, and the change in temperature is fitting for the Redbirds’ upcoming schedule. The Redbirds open the second half of the Valley schedule by hosting the three teams that beat them in the first half of the season. ISU will look for revenge against Indiana State (Feb. 5), Wichita State (Feb. 10), and Missouri State (Feb. 12) all in Redbird Arena.
CRANK UP THE D!
Illinois State’s current four-game winning streak can be attributed to a resurgence of the Redbird defense. In three-consecutive losses, ISU allowed 69.7 points per game. In the four wins since then, the Redbird defense has tightened up, allowing 49.0 points per game and holding opponents to a 34.0 shooting percentage. The Redbirds are forcing 21.3 turnovers per game and swiping 12.5 steals per game. ISU held Drake and Southern Illinois under 50 points, forcing a combined 50 turnovers in the two games. In the win over Evansville, the Redbirds held the Purple Aces to just 13 points on 3-of-21 shooting in the second half.
HOME SWEET HOME
Illinois State has made Redbird Arena a comfortable nest over the last four seasons, posting an overall record of 57-12 and a Valley record of 32-8 at home. ISU is 9-0 at home this season, which is tied for the fourth-best home court start in program history. Dating back to last season, ISU has won 11-consecutive Valley home games.
