NORMAL, Ill. – Despite their consistency from the field, ISU dropped a hard-fought 79-68 battle to the Bradley Braves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams shot at least 50 percent from beyond the arc to open the game, making for a high-scoring first quarter. The Redbirds added three triples with two coming from TeTe Maggett and one from Megan Talbot. Bradley went 4-for-8 at three-point range and pulled an early 18-15 lead at the end of the first period.
Bradley and Illinois State remained consistent from the field, both shooting over 40 percent at the end of the first half. Redbirds were caught in turnover trouble and Bradley took advantage, converting 11 points from turnovers. The Braves never gave up the lead in the second quarter and finished the first half with a 35-27 lead.
The Redbirds came within one as Simone Goods added a bucket in the paint with 4:06 to play in the third. Bradley responded with a 7-0 run with all points coming from freshman guard Lasha Petree. Talbot put an end to the 'Birds' scoring drought as she drained a 3-pointer. Viria Livingston followed and added another triple for ISU with seconds to go in the third. Illinois State trailed 50-46 as they entered the fourth quarter.
Illinois State could not find a way to lead in the fourth and fell behind early. Bradley captured a 79-68 win, to push ahead of ISU in league standings.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Maggett, Goods and Talbot each added double figures for the 'Birds today with 23, 19 and 12, respectively.
- Talbot had a noteworthy performance, tying her career high in 3-pointers made (2) and assists (4). The junior forward also grabbed four rebounds for the 'Birds.
- This is the second game this season ISU has shot 50 percent or better from the field. The 'Birds shot 51.9 percent against Cleveland State earlier this season and fell 67-63.
- The Braves were led by freshman guard Lasha Petree who added 21 points, going 4-for-6 from long range.
- Four Bradley players added double figures in today's contest, Petree (21), Chelsea Brackmann (16), Gabi Haack (13) and Shunseere Kent (13).
UP NEXT
The Illinois State women's basketball team will head north on Friday to finish the first half of Valley play. The squad is scheduled for a two-game road swing with stops at Loyola and Valparaiso.
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