Redbirds Sweep UNI in Fourth Quarter Thriller

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Illinois State women's basketball team captured a 54-53 victory over UNI, sweeping the Panthers for the first time in six years. ISU improves to an 11-7 MVC record, which puts them at the 4-seed for the Hoops in the Heartland Tournament.

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a back-and-forth battle as the two squads traded baskets throughout the first half, with UNI coming ahead with a 3-point lead. TeTe Maggett led all scorers at the halftime buzzer, scoring 10 for ISU, shooting 3-of-8 from the floor. Kayel Newland was responsible for six of ISU's 12 rebounds in the first half, which almost matched her career high in a game. All but two Panthers put points on the board at the end of the second quarter, with Nicole Kroeger leading the way with five points.

The Redbirds entered a scoring drought in the third, not earning a shot for almost five minutes. Katrina Beck drove to the rim for two, getting ISU out of the rut and the 'Birds picked up momentum. Simone Goods followed with another bucket, to trail UNI 39-35. The Panthers added a late basket that would go unanswered by ISU to enter the fourth with a 41-35 lead.

The defensive battle played out through the fourth quarter coming down to the final seconds. Heidi Hillyard was sent to the line for UNI, going 1-for-2 with 1:22 on the clock to put the Panthers up 53-52. UNI forced a turnover on the next Redbird possession and Kroeger attempted a jump-shot with the clock winding down. Maggett just missed a jumper, but it was rebounded by Goods and put back in for ISU to lead 54-53 with eight seconds remaining. The Redbird defense denied UNI's attempt at a comeback, with Goods blocking their shot and grabbing the rebound. Time expired and ISU snuck away with a 54-53 victory.    

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE                                                   

• Goods led all scorers and notched another double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The senior forward shot 67 percent from the field, netting 8-of-12, while also dishing out two assists.  
• Maggett followed with 15 points and led the team with three steals.
• The Panthers were led by the duo of Kroeger and Taylor Hagen, with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

QUOTE FROM COACH

"I told you it was going to be a war and we told our players it was going to come down to the wire."

"A lot of credit to UNI, they are an incredible defensive team."

"So happy four our team, fourth-place, best finish we've had in a long time."

UP NEXT
The Illinois State women's basketball team will make the trip to Moline, Illinois, for the Hoops in the Heartland Tournament on Friday, March 15. The Redbirds will face I-74 rival, Bradley for a 2:30 p.m. matchup.  

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