CARBONDALE, Ill. – Reigning Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week Juliunn Redmond recorded a game-high 15 points in Illinois State's 62-54 victory at Southern Illinois on Friday night. The junior also collected six rebounds while adding three steals and two assists.
Illinois State improves to 13-6 (5-3 MVC) and takes sole possession of fourth place in the conference standings with the win, while the Salukis drop to 12-7 (4-4 MVC).
Also posting double figures for the Redbirds was redshirt freshman Mary Crompton (12 points, four rebounds, two assists), senior TeTe Maggett (11 points, six rebounds, three assists) and senior Lexi Wallen (10 points, five rebounds).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The 'Birds and the Salukis were neck-and-neck for most of the game with neither team gaining a lead greater than five points until the 8:18 mark in the fourth quarter. The contest featured 16 lead changes and five ties before ISU rattled off a 13-2 run to begin the final period, separating themselves from Southern Illinois for good.
The Salukis made a late push with an 8-0 run of their own as the clock winded down but could not overcome the deficit.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Redmond has come alive in conference play, averaging 12.3 points per Valley game and posting double figures in six of her last seven contests.
- ISU outrebounded SIU, 38-27, and 10-5 in offensive boards.
- This is the second consecutive game the 'Birds trailed at halftime before coming back to win.
- Illinois State has now won five-straight versus the Salukis.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE
On SIU's late push: "We knew they'd make a run at the end – it's their home court and they have several senior players. We knew it was coming and did a great job managing it."
On JuJu's performance: "JuJu was really great today. She continues to come through big-time when we need her."
UP NEXT
ISU will travel to Springfield, Mo. to face No. 21/24 Missouri State on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off at JQH Arena is set for 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).
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