NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's basketball (1-1, 0-0 MVC) looks to bounce back Sunday as the Redbirds host Le Moyne (0-3, 0-0 NEC) in the 2024-25 home opener inside CEFCU Arena. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
SERIES HISTORY
Sunday marks the first meeting between Illinois State and Le Moyne, who is in its second-year transitioning from Division II to Division I. It will be the first of three consecutive first-ever opponents for Illinois State with Harvard (Nov. 24) and Boise State (Nov. 29) up next on the docket.
NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK
Addi Martin earned Valley Newcomer of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, after a strong performance that helped Illinois State to a win over Big Ten foe Northwestern to open the year Nov. 6.
Martin notched a double-double in her Redbird debut, finishing with 12 points and a mark of 11 rebounds that tied her career high. She scored 8 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the second half alone, helping drive Illinois State to the first 'Power' win by an MVC team this season and the third 'Power' win for the program under head coach Kristen Gillespie. Martin shot 5-for-9 from the field and hit both of her free throw attempts. She also added a pair of assists in the performance.
NEVEAH'S BIG GAME
With 21 points and 10 rebounds at Saint Louis on Tuesday, Nevaeh Thomas notched her first double-double as a Redbird. She is the fourth Redbird over the last two seasons to record a 20-point, 10-rebound double double, joining Dowell, DeAnna Wilson and Kate Bullman.
In the Kristen Gillespie era, Thomas became the ninth Redbird to post a 20-point, 10-rebound performance.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
The Redbirds are on the heels of one of the best single-season performances at home in program history. Illinois State posted a 14-2 mark at CEFCU Arena last year, tied for the second-most wins at home in a single season in program history. It was also the most home victories by Illinois State in the Kristen Gillespie era.
Over the last two seasons, Illinois State is 25-5 inside CEFCU Arena.
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