NORMAL, Ill. – For the first time in 612 days, a basketball game will be played in front of fans at Redbird Arena as the Illinois State women's basketball team hosts UMSL in exhibition on Wednesday evening. Tip-off for Wednesday's game is set for 6 p.m. CT.
There will be no stream for the exhibition with live stats available on GoRedbirds.com.
GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State vs. UMSL
When: Wednesday, Nov. 3
Tip-off: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Normal, Ill.
Facility: Redbird Arena
THE 'BIRDS ARE BACK!
The Redbirds are fresh off their first postseason berth in eight years after participating in the WNIT during the 2020-21 season. ISU also earned its first postseason win since 2013, defeating Samford, 68-62, at the tournament.
Illinois State returns All-MVC selections in fifth year Juliunn Redmond and redshirt junior Mary Crompton from last year's team that finished with a 16-9 (12-6 MVC) record.. Redmond, who earned an All-MVC First Team nod last year, led the 'Birds in scoring with 13.9 points per game, also averaging 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest. Tabbed All-MVC Honorable Mention, Crompton finished the year as the country's third-best sharpshooter in terms of three-point field goal percentage, shooting 46.7% from deep.
IN FRONT OF FANS
Wednesday's contest versus UMSL will be the first basketball game at Redbird Arena in front of fans since March 1, 2020 when the women's basketball team defeated Southern Illinois, 66-56, on Senior Day for former Redbirds TeTe Maggett, Lexi Wallen, Megan Talbot and Frannie Corrigan. It has been 612 days (one year, eight months, and two days) since that date.
PRESEASON POLL
Illinois State was picked to finish fourth in this year's MVC Preseason Poll, announced in early October and voted on by the league's coaches, sports information directors and media. The fourth-place selection is the highest preseason prediction for ISU under head coach Kristen Gillespie and the 'Birds have finished each season better than predicted in all four years of her tenure.
TICKETS ON SALE
Single-game and season tickets for the 2021-22 women's basketball schedule can be purchased here.
*NOTE: Face coverings are required in all ISU public indoor spaces to align with updated CDC masking recommendations.
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.
