NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team returns to Doug Collins Court on Sunday, Dec. 16 to face the Maryville Saints. The contest is an official game for the Redbirds, but an exhibition for the Saints.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State Redbirds (4-4) vs. Maryville Saints (5-3)
When: Sunday, Dec. 16
Tip-Off: 3:30 p.m. CT
THE SERIES
• This is the first time ISU will face Maryville for an official game, but the two previously met for an exhibition match on Nov. 5, 2014. The Redbirds prevailed 77-68 in double overtime.
• Coach Kristen Gillespie is 1-1 against the Maryville Saints and 0-1 against Coach Collin Lanam.
REDBIRD BITS
• The Redbirds enter the game with a 4-4 record after capturing their third straight win on Friday, Dec. 7 against Northern Kentucky. ISU remains undefeated at home.
• The Redbirds swept the MVC weekly honors as Simone Goods was named Player of the Week and TeTe Maggett, Newcomer of the Week.
• Goods tallied 41 points and 18 rebounds en route to leading the 'Birds to two-straight wins. Additionally, the senior forward captured her seventh career double-double, notching 22 points and grabbing a career-high 14 rebounds.
• Maggett received her first weekly honor of her career after dishing out seven assists, corralling 10 rebounds and shooting 81 percent from the free-throw line.
• Coach Gillespie announced the addition of former Redbird volleyball player, Lexi Wallen last week. Wallen has already seen time on the court and added a bucket in 58-53 win over NKU. Â
SCOUTING THE SAINTS
• The Saints enter the game after capturing a 97-84 win over Christian Brothers University. The team was led by Abby Monis as she notched her first double-double with career highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds.
• Maryville welcomes back three starters and six newcomers to the team from the year before. Â
• Mary Barton leads the Saints averaging 12.7 points per game. The junior guard proves to be a versatile player, dishing out 4.0 assists per game. Barton also led the squad in the 2017-18 season with 79 assists.  Â
DOUBLEHEADER
Illinois State men's and women's basketball will host a doubleheader on Sunday, Dec. 16 with a 1p.m. scheduled tip-off for the men's game, and the women's to follow at 3:30 p.m. All tickets purchased for either event can be used for both contests.
Women's basketball ticket holders may attend the men's game for free and will have a seat in sections SS or TT in the upper bowl. The ticket is valid beginning at noon on Sunday. Similarly, those who purchased a ticket for the men's basketball game, are encouraged to stay and cheer for the women's team free of charge. Seating for women's basketball is general admission in the lower bowl.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Per the new clear bag policy, each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag- either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12"x 6"x 12" clear bag- plus a small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5") into the venue. The small clutch must be carried into the venue outside the clear bag and is subject to search.
NEXT UP
The Redbirds remain home for a Thursday morning tip-off against St. Louis University for the program's first ever Education Day.
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