NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team will conclude the Missouri Valley Conference opening weekend by hosting Evansville at Redbird Arena on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State (9-3, 1-0 MVC) vs. Evansville (3-9, 0-1 MVC)
When: Sunday, Jan. 5
Tip-Off: 2 p.m. CT
Location: Normal, Ill.
Arena: Redbird Arena
Watch: ESPN+
Radio: WJBC AM 1230
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
SCOUTING THE PURPLE ACES
Evansville dropped their conference opener, 82-51, on the road at Bradley on Friday evening. Freshman Abby Feit tallied a team-best 18 points to go along with eight boards, including 15 points in the first half. Junior Lola Bracy added nine points with freshman Jossie Hudson contributing seven points as well.
The Braves limited the Aces to just five points in the third quarter, as they shot 1-of-10 from the field and entered the fourth quarter with a 30+ point deficit.
Head coach Matt Ruffing is in his fourth season at the helm of the Evansville program and holds a 25-83 career record.
SERIES HISTORY
The 'Birds have a 32-19 all-time record against the Aces, with a 14-10 advantage when playing in Normal, Illinois. ISU swept Evansville in both meetings last season.
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 7-0 at home so far in the 2019-20 season. ISU was 11-3 at Redbird Arena last season and are 259-164 all-time when they have the home-court advantage
DYNAMIC DUO
Through 12 games, ISU seniors TeTe Maggett (17.6 ppg) and Lexi Wallen (17.4 ppg) are averaging the most points per game of any other duo in the Valley. They combine to average 35 points per contest and account for 45.5% of ISU's total points on the season.
LAST TIME OUT
Seniors TeTe Maggett and Lexi Wallen lifted the Illinois State women's basketball team to an 83-69 win over Indiana State in their Missouri Valley Conference opener on Friday at Redbird Arena. Maggett had a game-high 27 points, adding eight rebounds, an assist and a block in the victory. Wallen tied a career-high 26 points, adding eight rebounds, an assist and a block in the victory. Redshirt freshman Mary Crompton also tallied double figures for the 'Birds, posting 13 points. The Redbirds move to 9-3 on the year and 1-0 in MVC play.
The Redbirds move to 9-3 on the year and 1-0 in MVC play.
PROMOTIONS
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 the game.
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.
