NORMAL, Ill. – After a delayed start to the season due to COVID-19 testing protocols, the Illinois State women's basketball team will open the 2020-21 season Sunday afternoon when it hosts NAIA foe, Saint Xavier. Tip-off at Redbird Arena is set for 1 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State vs. Saint Xavier
When: Sunday, Dec. 6
Tip-Off: 1 p.m. CT
Location: Normal, Ill.
Arena: Redbird Arena
Watch: ESPN+
Radio: WJBC AM 1230
Live Stats: Stat Broadcast
BACK IN BUSINESS
Sunday's game will be ISU women's basketball's first contest since their 62-55 win at Indiana State on March 7 last season (274 days). The game will also be the first ever meeting between Illinois State and Saint Xavier.
THE GILLESPIE ERA
Head coach Kristen Gillespie enters her fourth season at the helm of the Redbird program, after leading ISU to a 19-10 (11-7 MVC) record last year. It was the second-straight season the Redbirds reached the 19-win threshold, with ISU finishing the year with a RPI of 74, their highest-ranked finish in seven years.
The 'Birds collected several statement wins in the 2019-20 campaign, including the first win over a Power Five team in six years (74-58 W @ Illinois on 11/16/19) and the first win over a ranked opponent in over 28 years (78-66 W vs. No. 17/21 Missouri State on 2/27/20).
ISU was riding a four-game winning streak and primed for their first postseason appearance since the 2012-13 campaign before the Missouri Valley Conference tournament was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
The Cougars finished the abbreviated 2019-20 season with a 29-4 record, and the 14th Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) regular-season title in the past 19 seasons.
From last year's squad, Saint Xavier returns two of four players who averaged double-digit scoring in juniors Claire Austin and Maia Fawcett. Austin, a 6'0 forward, was named a NAIA All-American at the end of the season, nearly averaging a double-double with 13.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Fawcett, a 5'6 guard, averaged 10.8 points and 3.1 assists in her first season as a Cougar.
Head coach Corry Irvin enters her second year at the helm of the Saint Xavier program after serving as head coach at Whitney Young High School in Chicago for 18 years, owning a 449-77 record in that span.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
The Redbirds are led this year by the senior duo of Juliunn Redmond and Paige Saylor. Redmond, the reigning MVC Newcomer and Sixth Player of the Year, will be relied on heavily offensively after averaging 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals in Valley play. Saylor, a two-time MVC All-Defensive Team selection, is back at point guard for the 'Birds after averaging 5.8 points and 2.0 assists during the 2019-20 season, playing all 29 games.
UP NEXT
Illinois State is scheduled to travel to Western Illinois on Sunday, Dec. 13 to take on the Leathernecks at 2 p.m. That game will be streamed on GoLeathernecks.com as a part of the Leatherneck All-Access subscription.
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.
