DeKALB, Ill. – Led by a 12-point, five rebound performance by fifth year Juliunn Redmond, the Illinois state women's basketball team (0-1) dropped its season opener in a 77-60 loss on the road to Northern Illinois (1-0) on Tuesday evening.
Joining Redmond in double figures scoring was graduate student Jada Stinson, who added 10 points in her Redbird debut, shooting 50% (2-of-4) from behind the arc. Redshirt junior Mary Crompton and redshirt sophomore Maya Wong each contributed nine points on the night.
The Huskies' shot 46.4% (32-of-69) from the floor, outrebounding the Redbirds, 43-32. NIU's Chelby Koker had a game-high 17 points with junior A'Jah Davis posting a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
TURNING POINT
After trailing by only three at the half, a 14-2 run by the Huskies midway through the third quarter would be all the difference for the Redbirds. NIU outscored ISU, 23-10, in the third period to build to a 16-point lead heading into the final period.
IN THE BOX SCORE:
- Stinson, along with freshmen Lexi Boles, Kenzie Bowers, Lauren Cohen and Chloe Van Zeeland all made their Illinois State debuts in Tuesday's game.
- Redmond extended her double figures scoring streak to six games, dating back to last season. Crompton has now made at least three triples in four-straight games.
- Redmond, junior DeAnna Wilson and senior Kayel Newland each had a team-high five boards on the night.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE:
On ISU's performance: "We knew we were going to be tested coming here and I give all the credit to Northern Illinois. Our shots just weren't falling, and we need to do a much better job rebounding. We've got work to do and we'll be back at it tomorrow to prepare for the next."
UP NEXT
Illinois State continues its road trip on Saturday as the Redbirds head to Saint Paul, Minn. to take on St. Thomas at 1 p.m. CT.
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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