EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Illinois State women's basketball team persevered in the Sunday matinee against Evansville, defeating the Aces 72-61.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbird offense was explosive in the first half, shooting 50 percent from the floor and topping its highest scoring quarter this season with 26 points in the second period. Kayel Newland topped her career high in the first half, netting three triples to set a new personal best of nine points. Ally Gietzel added her first career points in a Redbird uniform, tallying five in the first half. The freshman guard went 1-for-2 from beyond the arc and sank two at the charity stripe. The Evansville Aces were held to 28 points and Illinois State entered the locker room at halftime with a 20-point lead.
The Aces battled back in the second half, outscoring the 'Birds 13-9 in the third quarter. Evansville was relentless in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to eight points. Kerri Gasper added two quick layups with 5:20 to play and the Aces trailed 62-54. Illinois State responded with a layup from Lexy Koudelka, to push the gap to 10. The Redbirds persevered and finished the fourth quarter strong, resulting in a 72-61 victory. Â
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- TeTe Maggett led all scorers with 24 points, while dishing out six assists and grabbing three boards. Maggett was once again perfect from the free-throw line, making today's contest her sixth-straight game without missing a free shot.
- Simone Goods had another double digit showing, adding 16 points for the 'Birds and finished with five rebounds.
- Viria Livingston was just shy of hitting a career 500 points, finishing the day with 499. The senior guard also led ISU in rebounding with six.
- Freshman guards Newland and Gietzel topped personal bests today with nine and five points, respectively.
- Prior to today's game, Illinois State averaged a rebounding margin of +5.1, the Redbirds outrebounded Evansville 40-28. This is the second-straight game the squad has had 40 or more boards.
- Illinois State dished out a season high of 16 assists.
- Kerri Gasper led for the Aces, tallying 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
QUOTE FROM COACH
"I thought Lexy Koudelka played phenomenal, going 3-for-3…Im so happy for her. She made the most of her minutes and this is great for her confidence."
"I'm a little disappointed I thought we showed up in the first half, but we still have a lot of learning to do."
UP NEXT
The Illinois State women's basketball team will return to Doug Collins Court for a three game homestand, beginning with a Friday night matchup with Southern Illinois.
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