MVC-leading Drake too Much For Redbirds

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's basketball (9-7, 3-2 MVC) suffered its first loss of 2025 Sunday inside CEFCU Arena, falling to MVC-leading Drake (11-5, 5-0 MVC) 85-64.  

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Drake built a 20-9 lead in the first quarter that Illinois State was never able to overcome. The Redbirds did use a 15-4 run in the opening quarter to pull within 24-20. Illinois State hit a pair of threes in the run, one by Elyce Knudsen and one from Maya Wong at the 1:44 mark.  

• The Bulldogs jumped back ahead 36-25 in the second quarter and the Redbirds were never within single digits over the remainder of the game.  

• Freshman Trista Fayta posted a highlight reel play for the Redbirds in the second half, beating the third-quarter buzzer with half-court heave from the Redbird logo.  

• Three Redbirds finished in double-figures, led by 14 points from Shannon Dowell. Addi Martin and Doneelah Washington both tallied 12 points, with Martin grabbing 8 boards and Washington totaling 6 rebounds.  

GAME NOTES 

• Dowell reached double-figures for the fifth time in Valley play and the 15th time this season. She is averaging 20.0 points per game in MVC play.  

• The Redbirds shot below 40% for the first time in MVC play and just the second time overall this season.  

• Maya Wong played in her 137th career game, which puts her alone for second in program history.  

• Washington added a pair of assists to her 12-point and 6-rebound performance on Sunday. She is the only freshman to finish a game with 10+ points, 5+ rebounds and 2+ assists in Valley play.  

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