NORMAL, Ill. – Off to its best start in 12 years, the Illinois State women's basketball team is set to take on Western Illinois at Redbird Arena on Wednesday, closing out a two-game homestand. This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2016.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State Redbirds (5-1, 0-0 MVC) vs. Western Illinois (4-4, 0-0 Summit)
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4
Tip-Off: 6 p.m.
Location: Normal, Illinois
Arena: Redbird Arena
Watch: ESPN3
Radio: WJBC AM 1230 / 93.7 FM
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
SCOUTING THE LEATHERNECKS
Western Illinois is coming off a 90-69 home win over Missouri Baptist last Tuesday (Nov. 26) that saw three Leathernecks post double-digit scoring efforts. Danni Nichols had a game-high 21 points, shooting 9-of-10 from the field with Grace Gilmore and Annabel Graettinger recording 13 and 11 points of their own, respectively. Evan Zars collected more than a fourth of WIU's rebounds, grabbing 11 boards on the day.
ILLINOIS STATE VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS
The Redbirds hold a commanding 41-4 record against the Leathernecks, with the series dating all the way back to 1971. Despite the lop-sided record, WIU has emerged victorious in the last two meetings between the programs. As a freshman, Megan Talbot had a team-high 14 points and seven rebounds back in 2016 when the 'Birds fell to the Leathernecks, 80-50, in Macomb, Ill.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
Illinois State's SOS is ranked ninth in all of DI women's basketball, according to the NCAA (Dec. 2). Illinois State leads the Valley, with three other teams charting in the Top 50: Drake (12), Missouri State (19) and Bradley (49).
MID-MAJOR TOP 25
Illinois State is receiving votes for the second 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 (2nd), Drake (6th) and UNI (20th).
LAST TIME OUT
Four Redbirds posted double figures in Saturday's 70-47 win over UT-Martin at Redbird Arena, that saw the Illinois State women's basketball team hold the Skyhawks to only 11 points in the second half.
Lexi Wallen led all scorers, posting her first career double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. TeTe Maggett nearly recorded a triple-double in the winning effort, collecting 15 points, eight boards and a career-high nine assists. Mary Crompton hit a career-high four triples and senior Megan Talbot went 3-of-3 from behind the arc to add 12 and 11 points, respectively.
PROMOTIONS
Wednesday's concessions special will be festive, holiday cookies.
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:Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
