NORMAL, Ill. – "I keep telling this team that what is delayed is not denied," Coach Gillespie said in the post-game press conference after the Redbirds fell in a hard-fought battle to Drake Sunday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois State fought hard for 40 minutes, but could not find a way to stop Drake's consistent offense. The Bulldogs sank eight 3-pointers and went 22-for-25 at the line to collect their 42nd consecutive MVC win.
ISU trailed by 19 with 5:27 on the clock in the second quarter. The resilient Redbirds never gave up and cut the deficit to six with less than a minute play in the half. Illinois State got caught in foul trouble, sending the Bulldogs to the line. Drake made four shots at the charity stripe to enter the second half with an 11-point lead.
The Bulldogs outscored the 'Birds in the third quarter 25-13, pushing their lead to 66-43 as they entered the fourth quarter. The Redbirds battled back and shot 52.9 percent from the floor, adding 21 points in the fourth, but time was not in favor. Drake finished strong, capturing an 82-64 win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Lexi Wallen continues to shine, topping her career high with 16 points today. The senior forward was the leading scorer for the 'Birds and also grabbed five rebounds, one steal and added one assist for ISU.
- Simone Goods tied a career high with three blocks in today's contest. She added another double digit game to her resume, putting up 13 points for the 'Birds, while grabbing eight rebounds and two assists.
- TeTe Maggett has not missed a free-throw shot in the past four games, netting 4-for-4 today. The junior guard contributed 13 points, four rebounds, two steals and one assists.
- This is the first loss at home for the 'Birds and snaps the seven-game win streak.
- Drake was led by Sara Rhine (22 pts), Becca Hittner (16 pts) and Sammie Bachrodt (13 pts).
- Rhine added a double-double grabbing 11 boards.
UP NEXT
The Illinois State women's basketball team will head to Indiana on Friday for a two-game road swing with stops at Indiana State and Evansville.
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