NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team returns to Doug Collins Court Thursday, Dec. 20 to face the Saint Louis Billikens.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State Redbirds (5-4) vs. Saint Louis Billikens (4-6)
When: Thursday, Dec. 20
Tip-Off: 11 a.m. CT
THE SERIES
• This is the first time the two programs will meet.
• This will also be the first meeting of Coach Kristen Gillespie and Coach Lisa Stone.
• Coach Stone is winless against the Redbirds. During her tenure at Wisconsin, the Badgers dropped to ISU in the WNIT in 2011. Coach Stone also had a three-year stint as head coach for Drake, and went 0-6 against the 'Birds.
REDBIRD BITS
• The Coach Gillespie era added a new milestone to the list on Sunday, earning the program's fourth straight victory for the first time since the 2012-13 season, and ISU remains undefeated at home.  During Gillespie's first year at the helm, she guided the Redbirds to the winningest year in five years.
• Simone Goods has added a double-double in four of ISU's nine contests this season, tallying her eighth career double-double in 61-52 win over Maryville Sunday. The senior forward averages just shy of a double-double with 17.3 points per game and 9.0 rebounds. Goods sits in the top three in the Valley for both statistical categories. Additionally, Sunday's performance was the fourth time this season she has had a 20+ point showing and the fourth time corralling more than 10 rebounds.
• ISU leads the Valley and is ranked in the top 50 in the country for scoring defense, allowing just 56.4 points per game.
 SCOUTING THE BILLIKENS
• The Billikens enter the contest with a 4-6 record with most recent losses to Missouri and UConn.
• Ciaja Harbison has claimed Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week three times this season, receiving her latest on Dec. 3. The freshman guard leads the team with 13.9 points and 4.0 assists per game.  Â
• Harbison and Jordyn Frantz rank among the top 10 in the A-10 in scoring and free throw shooting. Harbison is sixth in scoring and eighth in free throw percentage, while Frantz is tied for ninth in scoring and sixth at the stripe.
EDUCATION DAY
• Students in attendance will receive a free STEM workbook and pencil. Attendees may bring their own lunch, but two lunch options will be available for $4. The options include a slice of pizza with grapes and a drink, or a hot dog with chips and a drink.
• The nationally known master of Simon Sez Steve Max will be performing at halftime. Max has appeared on TV and at multiple NBA and NCAA basketball games.
PARKING
Season ticket holders will be able to park in normal designated lots with a parking pass. Public parking will be available in lots G53 and S81, adjacent to the arena. Parking at Kingsley Junior High School will not be available, as school is still in session.
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 close out 2018 as they flock south on Sunday, Dec. 30 to face UMKC in Kansas City, Missouri.
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