NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Women's Basketball fought to the finish in the 65-58 loss to the Drake Bulldogs.
HOW IT HAPPENEDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Redbirds came out of the gate on fire, scoring 24 points in the first quarter and shooting 64.3 percent from the field. Hannah Green opened the game with a 3-pointer on the Redbirds' first possession of the game. The Bulldogs were unable to answer and Illinois State took a 4-0 lead as Paige Saylor scored one at the charity stripe. Saylor dominated the first quarter and led all scorers with 10 points, going 3-for-3 behind the arc. Drake could not get over the gap and the Birds led 24-14 going into the second quarter.
The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the second quarter and outscored the Redbirds 16-6 to tie the game 30-30 at halftime. Green opened the second quarter with 8:15 on the clock with a jumper to keep the Birds in the lead. Drake tied it up 27-27 with two minutes remaining in the first half. Green netted a three to put the Birds at 30, but the Bulldogs finished strong with a 3-point play as Becca Hitner was fouled at the basket.
The teams battled it out in the third quarter in back-and-forth style fighting to find themselves ahead of the game. Both teams secured 15 points and the game was tied at the conclusion of the third quarter.
Katrina Beck opened the quarter with a free-throw shot to put the Birds up by one. Maddy Dean answered for the Bulldogs with a jump shot and Drake took a 47-46 lead. The game all came down to the final three minutes. The teams were tied 54-54 with 3:25 to play. Drake went on a seven-point run to push ahead 61-54 with 1:13 to play. Simone Goods responded for the Birds with two, but time was not in favor. Drake powered ahead to secure a 65-58 victory.
 INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- This the third game in a row that three Redbirds have scored in double-digits. The team was led tonight by Green with 19 points, Saylor 13 points and Megan Talbot with 11 points. Â
- The Redbirds put in a combined eight 3-pointers tonight, which is the highest amount for the team this season.
- Katrina Beck tied her career high of six assists tonight. The junior guard also contributed four points, two steals and two rebounds.
- Saylor and Green each went 3-for-4 behind the arc.
- Hittner led for the Bulldogs with 21 points and grabbed six rebounds. Sara Rine followed her with 16 points and four rebounds.
Stat of the Game
- Drake entered the game tonight, averaging 83.2 points per game. The Redbird defense held the Bulldogs to 65.
- The Bulldogs have taken down MVC opponents by at least 11 points or more this season…the Birds came within seven.
What's Next
The Redbirds begin the second run of MVC games as they host the Loyola Ramblers on Friday night.
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