NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State fell short in its season opener at Oakland University 64-43 on Saturday.

How It Happened

The Redbirds opened the game as Viria Livingston connected with Simone Goods for two. The Golden Grizzlies responded with a three point streak to pull the lead. The Redbirds faced turnover trouble and Oakland took advantage. Sha'Keya Graves led the Golden Grizzlies with seven points to pull a 16-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Redbirds held Oakland to 10 points in the second, but were unable to get back on top resulting in a 26-21 halftime score. Simone Goods led the Redbirds with 11 points and five rebounds at the half.

Goods continued to rack up stats to finish with a double-double for the Rebirds, but her effort was not enough to put a stop against the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland continued to heighten the gap and the Redbirds would not be able to overcome the deficit in the second half, resulting in a 64-43 loss.

Key Moment

Paige Saylor kept her team alive as she scored behind the arc to tie the game 18-18 in the second. Saylor's shot would be the last time the Redbirds tied the game.  
 

Inside the Box Score

• First-year Redbird Simone Goods was the top performer today with a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
• Oakland racked up seven 3-pointers compared to ISU's two.
• The Golden Grizzlies had three players rack up double digit points, but no players added a double-double.

Stat of the Game.

The Redbirds were defensively strong as they out-rebounded the Golden Grizzlies 41-40.
 

What's Next
The Redbirds return home to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena, to take on Northern Kentucky for the home opener on Wednesday. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m.