NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Women's Basketball captured their second straight home victory Sunday as they defeated the Kangaroos of UMKC 64-53.
How It Happened
Viria Livingston put the Redbirds ahead 4-0 to open up the game as she went 2-for-2 at the line and added a layup. The Roos responded with a three-pointer by Sierra Bone to tighten the gap 4-3. Redbirds were sent to the line again and Megan Talbot went 2-for-2. Kansas City would not be able to get ahead of the Redbirds, and ISU would lead 18-12 at the end of the first quarter.
The Kangaroos faced difficulty on offense in the second quarter, shooting 22.2 percent from the field. The Redbirds remained consistent scoring 7-of-16 to add 14 points in the second. The teams went back to the locker room with a halftime score of 32-18, Redbirds.
Bone put the Roos back in the game as she was good for three to trail the Redbirds 59-53 with 1:34 on the clock in the fourth. Paige Saylor was fouled and went to the line. Saylor went 2-for-2 and the Roos hustled down the court. Saylor snuck in to grab her seventh steal of the game and added two as she took off on a fast break. Kansas City could not get another shot up and the Redbirds secured a 64-53 victory.
Key Moment
Paige Saylor stole the ball and took off on a fast break with less than one minute remaining in regulation. This play put the Redbirds in a comfortable lead of 63-53. Saylor repeated this play three times throughout the game.
Inside the Box Score
- Paige Saylor added 12 points, four assists and seven steals for the Redbirds. This is a career high for the freshman point guard in all three stat categories.
- For the first time this season ISU's bench outscored the starters. Hannah Green added 20 points and Millie Stevens added eight.
- The Roos racked up 25 personal fouls. This is the most an ISU opponent has committed this season.
- Aries Washington led UMKC with 23 points and nine rebounds.
Stat of the Game.
Saylor grabbed seven steals for the Redbirds. She is now tied for sixth in the ISU record books for most steals in a game. Kathy Beesley still holds the record of 11 steals which she set Jan. 24, 1985.
What's Next
The Redbirds take on the SIUE Cougars on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Thursday, Nov.30. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m
