NORMAL, Ill. – A slow start to Friday's game was the difference for Illinois State (15-10, 11-3 MVC), as Missouri State (19-5, 10-3 MVC) snapped ISU's five-game winning streak in a 75-69 loss at Redbird Arena.
Fifth year guard Juliunn Redmond led the 'Birds in scoring for the 13th time this season, recording a game-best 23 points with six rebounds and four assists, going a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line.
Junior DeAnna Wilson finished just shy of a double-double with 19 points and eight boards while redshirt sophomore Maya Wong posted 14 points and a team-high five assists.
The Lady Bears had four players finish in double figures, led by 21 points from Mariah White.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Frigid shooting plagued the Redbirds early, as ISU was held to just one field goal and 9.1% shooting (1-of-11) in the first quarter. The Lady Bears capitalized, taking an 18-7 lead after the first period.
Illinois State battled back in a big way, outscoring Missouri State in each of the final three quarters and coming within two points, 39-37, at the 6:11 mark in the third quarter off a Kate Bullman three-pointer. The Lady Bears remained out of reach, building their lead back out to eight by the end of the third period.
The Redbirds refused to back down in the final quarter, closing the lead to five on two occasions and reeling off an 8-0 run to get within striking distance, 69-64, with 1:30 left. Missouri State converted six free throws down the stretch to finalize their six-point, 75-69 victory.
IN THE BOX SCORE
- Sophomore Kate Bullman led the team on the boards, finishing with nine rebounds, six points, a block and a steal.
- After Redmond's 23 points today, the guard now sits 27th all-time in scoring at ISU as she improves to 1,057 career points.
- ISU was outrebounded, 35-34, with MSU also owning a 34-28 advantage in points in the paint.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE
On the opponent: "You got to give credit to Missouri State. They came out with a plan and were extremely physical with us. They took us out of rhythm and what we wanted to do. I think we did enough defensively, we just struggled to get a flow offensively in that first half."
UP NEXT
The 'Birds host Southern Illinois for their regular season home finale at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to tip-off to help Illinois State honor Lexy Koudelka, Kayel Newland and Juliunn Redmond in a pregame ceremony.
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.
