NORMAL, Ill. –Megan Talbot added a career high of 17 points to put the Redbirds ahead of Northern Kentucky 49-37 in tonight's home opener.
How It Happened
Simone Goods put the Redbirds up 3-0 in the first quarter with a free throw and a jumper. The Norse responded as Molly Glick was good for two and the teams battled it out. Northern Kentucky pulled a lead with 3:02 in the first and would not give it up throughout the entire first half. Paige Saylor tightened the deficit 20-19 in the second quarter as she stole the ball and was good on a fast break. Mikayla Terry put up a 3-pointer for the Norse to pull ahead 23-19 just seconds before halftime.
The Redbirds doubled NKU's points in the third quarter to sneak ahead 37-32. The Norse shot 50 percent from the field, but the Redbird defense was too strong to surpass. Redbirds held the Norse at eight shots from the field and two at the arc. Northern Kentucky took zero shots at the line and the Redbirds went 7-for-11 at the free-throw line.
The Redbirds held the Norse throughout the fourth quarter and never gave up the lead. Illinois State racked up 12 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 49-37 victory.
Key Moment
Viria Livingston was good for three with 2:36 remaining in the third quarter. This shot put ISU up 33-30 and the Redbirds never looked back. Â
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Inside the Box Score
- Talbot was the top performer tonight with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Her scoring efforts led her to a new career high.
- The Redbirds out-rebounded the Norse 33-31.
- ISU doubled the amount of points scored in the third and fourth quarters than their opponent.
What's Next
The Redbirds travel to George Mason on Wednesday to take on the Patriots at 11a.m.CT.
