NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles 65-56 on Sunday on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
How It Happened
The game was off to a slow start as each team was scoreless in the first three minutes. Paige Saylor grabbed a steal and was fouled at the basket. Saylor went 1-for-2 at the line to put a number on the board with 6:34 in the first. The Redbirds rallied ahead and went on a 7-point streak. Eastern Michigan responded with 2:09 remaining in the first as Micah Robinson scored from behind the arc. The Redbirds finished the first quarter with a 13-3 lead as Katrina Beck and Hannah Green each added 3-point shots.
Eastern Michigan tightened the gap as Emoni Jackson opened the second quarter with a layup for the Eagles. The Eagles made offensive improvements in the second quarter, but could not find their way around the Redbird defense. Illinois State led at halftime 26-12.
The Eagles attempted a comeback in the second half and trailed by as little as five points with 19 seconds remaining in the game. Beck was fouled and went 2-for-2 at the free-throw line to put the Redbirds in a comfortable seven-point lead with 14 seconds remaining. Talbot was fouled shortly after and put in both of her free shots to push the lead by nine. The Eagles outscored the Redbirds 44-39 in the second half, but would never get ahead. Illinois State finished on top 65-56.
Inside the Box Score
- Green led all scorers and tied her career-high of 20 points and also grabbed seven rebounds.
- Beck added 17 points, six assists and 8 rebounds. Twelve of her 17 points came from the 3-point line.
- Megan Talbot was the third Redbird to add double-digit points with 13. This is the second game in a row that Talbot, Green and Beck have each scored in double-digits.
- The Redbirds held the Eagles to 12 points in the first half. This is the third time in program history that the team has held their opponent to less than 20 points in a half, and it is the second time this season.
- Saylor snuck away with six steals today. She remains the leader of the MVC, averaging 3.0 steals per game.
- The Redbirds went 7-for-15 behind the arc, which is the most the team has scored from the three-point position this season.
- Two Eagles scored in double digits, Sasha Dailey (16) and Robinson (15).
Stat of the Game
- Katrina Beck netted four 3-pointers tying her career high of 3-pointers in a game. With her scoring efforts, Beck captured her 500th career point today.
What's Next
The Redbirds remain home to face the Cleveland State Vikings for a special holiday themed game at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.
