NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team is set to face off with Jackson State on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Redbird Arena for their final home non-conference game. Also serving as the final Education day on the promotional schedule, tip-off is set for 11 a.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State Redbirds (7-2, 0-0 MVC) vs. Jackson State (1-7, 0-0 SWAC)
When: Thursday, Dec. 19
Tip-Off: 11 a.m.
Location: Normal, Ill.
Arena: Redbird Arena
Watch: ESPN3
Radio: WJBC AM 1230
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Marneisha Hamer scored 25 points to lead Jackson State in a 78-69 loss to Bradley on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Hamer finished with 10-of-15 for 25 points, six rebounds and three steals.
Ameshya Williams added a double-double, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds for the game. Kaisah Lucky also posted double-digit points with 11 points and a team-high six assists. Dayzsha Rogan had a team-high four 3-pointers.
Head coach Tomekia Reed is in her first season with the Tigers.
MID-MAJOR TOP 25
Illinois State is receiving votes for the fourth consecutive week in the latest update of College Insider's Mid-Major Top 25. The poll, which is in its 10th year of existence, is made up of teams outside the Power Five conferences. Loyola Chicago and Bradley are also receiving votes, with three other MVC teams ranked in the poll: Missouri State (2), Drake (6) and UNI (20). Six opponents on the Redbirds' 2019-20 schedule are either ranked or receiving votes.
RPI AND SOS
The Redbirds are currently ranked 24th in RPI and 28th in strength of schedule, according to the latest NCAA statistics update (Dec. 17).
PROTECT THE NEST
Illinois State is 5-0 on Doug Collins Court so far this season. The Redbirds were 11-3 at Redbird Arena during the 2018-19 season and are 259-164 all-time when they have the home court advantage.
LAST TIME OUT
The Illinois State women's basketball team defeated SIUE, 74-53, on Monday afternoon, in front of a crowd of 1,835 students and fans at Redbird Arena for Education Day. The Redbirds remain undefeated (5-0) at home during the 2019-20 season.
Fifth-year senior Lexi Wallen led the 'Birds with a game-high 19 points with Mary Crompton and Paige Saylor adding 16 and 13 points, respectively. Wallen and freshman McKenna Sims collected a team-high five rebounds each.
PROMOTIONS
Thursday's game with Jackson State is the second of two Education Days put on by the Redbirds this week. Many local elementary schools will be in attendance to support the 'Birds, with over 1,500 students expected at each game.
The team spent the past week visiting schools in the area and getting to know some of their young fans, prior to the games. Sugar Creek Elementary, where local freshman Maya Wong went, was one of the schools visited and was in attendance at Monday's game.
For all latest on Illinois State women's basketball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @RedbirdWBB (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
