NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State opens its 18-game Missouri Valley Conference slate Friday evening, as the Redbirds host Indiana State at Redbird Arena. Tip-off versus the Sycamores is set for 6 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State (8-3, 0-0 MVC) vs. Indiana State (2-10, 0-0 MVC)
When: Friday, Jan. 3
Tip-Off: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Normal, Ill.
Arena: Redbird Arena
Watch: ESPN+
Radio: WJBC AM 1230
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
SCOUTING THE SYCAMORES
Indiana State most recently fell in its non-conference finale to Saint Louis, 55-53, on Monday, Dec. 30. Sommer Pitzer led the Sycamores with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists in the loss that dropped the program to a 2-10 record on the year.
Jamyra McChristine and Del'Janae Williams are averaging a team-best 9.0 points per game this season, with LeAndra Echi recording 7.6 rebounds per game.
Head coach Vicki Hall is in her second season at the helm of the Sycamore program, owning a 13-29 record at Indiana State.
SERIES HISTORY
The 'Birds hold a 51-45 all-time record when facing the Sycamores, including a 32-18 advantage when playing in Normal, Illinois. Illinois State and Indiana State split the series last season, with each team earning a win on their home court.
TeTe Maggett led the 'Birds with 26 points, seven rebounds and an assist in their last meeting on Feb. 10, that saw Illinois State collect a 78-70 win at home during the 2018-19 campaign.
GREAT START
ISU finished out the non-conference season with an 8-3 record, the best start for the 'Birds since the 2010-11 campaign. This is only the eighth time in school history the Redbirds are 8-3 or better to begin the year.
PROTECT THE NEST
The Redbirds are an undefeated 6-0 at home so far in the 2019-20 season. ISU was 11-3 at Redbird Arena last season and are 258-164 all-time when they have the home-court advantage
DYNAMIC DUO
Through 11 games, ISU seniors TeTe Maggett (16.6 ppg) and Lexi Wallen (16.6 ppg) are averaging the most points per game of any other duo in the Valley. They combine to average 33.2 points per contest and account for 43.5% of ISU's total points on the season.
LAST TIME OUT
The Redbirds dropped their final non-conference game, 77-72, at Austin Peay on Sunday, Dec. 29. Four 'Birds recorded double-digit scoring efforts in the overtime loss that had six lead changes and featured seven ties.
Redshirt freshman Mary Crompton led Illinois State 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 since Dec. 8, senior TeTe Maggett added 11 points and five rebounds.
PROMOTIONS
Friday's conference opener will feature a special ticket deal, with tickets available for $5 using promo code, "NEWYEAR20".
ISU's Sunday afternoon match-up with Evansville has a plethora of promotions, including Grandparents Day, Hoops and Heroes and a Reggie's Kids Club giveaway.
Fans are encouraged to invite their loved ones to the game and take advantage of a BOGO (buy one, get one) ticket deal using promo code, "GPDAY".
Reggie's Kids Club members will receive a giveaway superhero mask at Sunday's game, as well as the opportunity to play in inflatable bounce houses and get their face painted by the Zoo Lady.
There will be an autograph session with players following Sunday's game.
UP NEXT: ISU will play host to Evansville as well as part of their conference opening weekend, taking on the Purple Aces on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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.
