Crompton Leads Redbirds in Win over Sycamores

NORMAL, Ill. – As the Redbirds of Illinois State women's basketball returned home for the first time in 19 days, it would be the veteran efforts of Mary Crompton leading the way as the Redbirds (12-5, 6-1 MVC) defeated Indiana State (7-9, 2-5 MVC) by a final of 78-68 inside CEFCU Arena Friday night.

Friday marked the eighth straight series win for the Redbirds over the Sycamores, as Illinois State has not dropped a result to them since January 11, 2019, in Terre Haute (59-44). The win also marked the fifth double-digit margin of victory for the Redbirds against Indiana State under the direction of Kristen Gillespie.

Mary Crompton led the way for Illinois State as she would tie a career-high with 27 points, including 6-9 from three-point range and 9-9 from the free-throw line (a new career high for makes and attempts for the Iowa City native). Meanwhile, Crompton saw Kate Bullman (12 points) and DeAnna Wilson (11 points) join her in double figures Friday. 

Both Bullman and Wilson finished the night with a team-high six rebounds while it was the returning Paige Robinson who led Illinois State with eight assists in the win. 

The Sycamores were led in scoring Friday by a combined 32 (16 apiece) from Chelsea Cain and Del'Janae Williams. Cain also grabbed a team-leading 11 rebounds, becoming the first ISU opponent with a double-double since Missouri State's Kennedy Taylor and Indya Green did so on January 5.

TURNING POINT

As the game continued back-and-forth through the first three quarters, Illinois State held a seven-point (60-53) lead heading into the final 10 minutes. The lead would spread to as many as nine (74-65), thanks to a jumper from DeAnna Wilson with 3:01 remaining.  

Nearly two minutes later, it would be the Redbirds grabbing a double-digit lead with only 74 seconds remaining. Paige Robinson would get the ball before firing it to Kate Bullman, who knocked down a crucial three and gave ISU a 77-65 lead.  

The Sycamores would try their best to cut into the lead, but it would not be enough as the home Redbirds saw Maya Wong knock down a free-throw thirty seconds later as ISU found the final 10-point margin in their favor, a 78-68 win and Illinois State's fifth consecutive win since losing to UNI on January 1.

IN THE BOX SCORE:

• Illinois State's 10-point win allows the Redbirds to match the program's best MVC start in the last 13 seasons, going 6-1 through seven games. This feat was achieved twice before (during the 2021-22 and 2009-10 seasons).
• The Redbirds finished with 15 assists on 23 made field goals 
• Illinois State saw a season-high 14 three-pointers made; previous season high was 11, happening three times previously; v. Wisconsin (11/20/22), v. Drake (12/30/222), and v. UNI (1/1/23).
• Indiana State won the rebound battle 40-30 including 25 defensive rebounds. 

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

• Mary Crompton
  • Tied her career high, set at Dayton on 11/10/22, with 27 points off 6-11 shooting.  
  • Sits tied with Lindsay Whorton of Drake (2004-08) for sixth all-time in MVC history for most three pointers made with 266.
  • Was one three-pointer away from tying her career-high with 7 triples made (at Dayton and at Belmont). 
• Paige Robinson
  • Set her Illinois State high with eight assists; three away from tying her career-high of 11 set v. Missouri S&T in December 2020.
• DeAnna Wilson
  • 10^th time finishing in double figures this season 

UP NEXT
The 'Birds stay at home to welcome in Evansville on Sunday with tip-off from CEFCU Arena set for 2:00 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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