NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's basketball captured its fifth-straight victory, defeating the Saint Louis Billikens 72-67.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Simone Goods guided the 'Birds to an early lead, scoring ISU's first 12 points. Saint Louis unable was overcome the offensive powerhouse of Goods and trailed at the end of the first quarter 20-10. Katrina Beck added six points in the first period, shooting 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Saint Louis opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run to come within two. Viria Livingston ended the scoring drought for ISU, sinking a 3-pointer with 6:46 on the clock. The teams battled back-and-forth, with six lead changes, but the 'Birds would finish on top at the buzzer. With four seconds on the clock, Kerri McMahan added a jumper to put the Billikens ahead 38-36. Illinois State's TeTe Maggett quickly responded and sank a half-court shot at the buzzer to enter the locker room at halftime ahead 39-38.
The teams played a close game until the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. Lexi Wallen grabbed an offensive rebound and added a jumper for the 'Birds with 1:56 on the clock. Goods was sent the line and increased the deficit to seven points, as she netted both shots at the charity stripe. The Billikens came within five, but time was not in their favor. Illinois State captured a 72-67 victory, earning their fifth straight and remained undefeated on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Goods led all scorers and captured a new career high of 30 points. She is the first Redbird to score 30 since Janae Smith (11/18/12). The senior forward shot 47 percent from the field, going 9-for-19, and was 12-for-18 at the line.
- Maggett added 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Redbirds.
- This is the fourth time this season that three or more Redbirds have scored in double digits, Goods (30), Maggett (19) and Beck (11).
- Freshman guard Kayel Newland added a new career high with four assists.
- Newcomer Lexi Wallen added a career high of eight points and led the team in rebounding with seven.
- Freshman Ciaja Harbison led the Billikens with 20 points, seven assists and two steals.
UP NEXT
The Illinois State women's basketball team will return to the road for a matchup against UMKC in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, Dec. 30.
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