NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State rolled past Eureka College 80-54 to begin the 2017-18 season on a high note.
How It Happened
Hannah Green went 3-for-3 behind the arc to help guide the Redbirds to a 40-29 lead over the Red Devils at halftime. Illinois State took a quick 4-0 lead in the first as Megan Talbot went 2-for-2 at the line and Simone Goods added a jumper. Hayley Reneau kept the Red Devils in the game when she responded with a 3-pointer to tighten the gap 4-3. The teams were tied three times in the first and Eureka twice grabbed a lead, but the Redbirds would pull ahead 40-29 at the break.
Eureka faced difficulty overcoming the deficit after halftime and the Redbirds took advantage. Goods opened the third quarter with a layup to put the Redbirds up 42-29. The Red Devils tightened the gap as few as eight in the second half, but the Illinois State would never give up the lead.
Key Moment
Green amped up the crowd with her second consecutive three-pointer to open the second quarter. She pushed the team to a comfortable18-12 lead, and the Redbirds would not look back.
Inside the Box Score
- Hannah Green had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The single season MVC shot block record holder also added three blocks.
- The Redbirds were consistent in the field and outshot the Red Devils 51.8% (29-of-56) versus Eureka's 33.9% (20-of-59)
Stat of the Game
Green added three 3-pointers in the exhibition after only making one all of last season.
What's Next
The Redbirds travel to Rochester, Michigan, to take on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to begin the regular season schedule. Tip-off time is scheduled for 12p.m.
