CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Illinois State women's basketball team fell 77-72 in their final non-conference game of the 2019-20 season at Austin Peay. Four Redbirds recorded double-digit scoring efforts in the overtime loss that had six lead changes and featured seven ties.
ISU finishes the non-conference schedule, 8-3, while the Governors improve to 9-2.
Redshirt freshman Mary Crompton led the 'Birds with 16 points, matching a career-high and sinking four three-pointers. Fifth-year senior Lexi Wallen posted her second double-double of the year, collecting 15 points and a career-high 12 rebounds.
Junior Paige Saylor finished with 14 points and three assists, going 5-of-7 (71.4%) from the field. In her first game back from injury, senior TeTe Maggett added 11 points and five rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbirds and Governors traded leads throughout the first three quarters, alternating taking one-point leads into the next period (ISU led 17-16 at the end of 1Q, APSU led 35-34 at halftime, ISU led 50-49 at the end of 3Q). ISU widened the gap in the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 11, before Austin Peay went on an 8-0 run in the final 2:37 to force an overtime.
The Governors outscored ISU, 9-4, in the five-minute overtime period to secure their victory. APSU's Arielle Gonzalez-Varner had five of her game-high 20 points and four of her 17 rebounds in overtime.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Redbirds once again showed their depth, with four different players contributing double-digit scoring. ISU has had at least two players in double figures in 10 of 11 games and has had at least three players reach double-digits on six occasions.
- Illinois State outrebounded Austin Peay in the game, 45-41. The 'Birds have outrebounded their opponent in eight of 11 games this season.
- The Governors scored 31 points off ISU turnovers.
- ISU scored 42 of their 72 points (58.3%) in the paint.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE
Thoughts on the game: "We just let it slip away. Our transition defense wasn't great and you could tell we got fatigued. We need to be tougher going forward and be able to push through that. Bottom line is that we just didn't do enough and they deserved to win. It's a learning experience. It's unfortunate because we wanted to go into conference play on a positive note but now we just need to regroup and find a way to get better."
UP NEXT
The Redbirds open Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend, hosting Indiana State on Friday evening and Evansville on Sunday afternoon at Redbird Arena.
For all latest on Illinois State women's basketball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @RedbirdWBB (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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