TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Illinois State women's basketball team (6-7, 2-0 MVC) improved to 2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play, earning a 66-58 win on the road at Indiana State (6-7, 1-1 MVC) on Friday night. Four Redbirds finished in double figures en route to ISU's third-straight victory.
Fifth year Juliunn Redmond had a team-high 17 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Freshman guard Kenzie Bowers had an all-around performance in her second career start, combining for 11 points, five rebounds, two steals and two assists. Juniors DeAnna Wilson and Mary Crompton rounded out ISU's double-digit scorers, finishing with 10 points each.
Anna McKendree was the leading scorer for the Sycamores, totaling 18 points on the night.
TURNING POINT
After Indiana State's Marie Hunter converted a lay up on a fast break just 24 seconds into the game, the Redbirds rattled off 11-straight points that included three-point field goals from Crompton and sophomore Kate Bullman to go up, 11-2.
Illinois State maintained the momentum and led the rest of the way, building the lead up to 20 points midway through the third quarter before settling with the final eight-point differential of 66-58.
IN THE BOX SCORE
- Junior Hannah Kelle played 14 minutes, finishing with five points, four rebounds and two assists in her first action on the court since Feb. 2020.
- With her two three-point field goals in today's game, Crompton has now drained multiple triples in 11 of 13 games this year.
- Redmond led the Redbirds in scoring for the sixth time this season and has put up 15+ points in six of the last seven games.
- Every Redbird who got in Friday's game scored, with six of eight players recording multiple assists.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE:
On ISU's third-straight victory: "It wasn't the prettiest but I'll take a road league win anyway we can get it. This Indiana State team has a lot of fight in them and they're a tough opponent. This was a nice win for us."
On Hannah Kelle's return: "Of all of our players – these last two years have been so difficult for her. She stayed engaged and was one of our most vocal players in games and at practice. I'm so excited for her and was so proud to see her out on the court tonight."
UP NEXT
ISU continues its weekend road trip, playing at Evansville on Sunday. Tip-off at the Meeks Family Fieldhouse is set for 1 p.m. CT and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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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