Dowell, Waite Lead Dominate First Round Victory Over The Salukis

Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Illinois State Redbirds kicked off their Missouri Valley Conference Tournament run with a huge victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis.

The Redbirds’ came into this contest sweeping the Salukis during the season with a 78-60 win in the first matchup and a 99-86 win in the second matchup last Saturday, led by guard Elyce Knudsen’s 28 points and guard Shannon Dowell’s 25 points.

It was an all-around offensive explosion from the Redbirds, with Shannon Dowell and Caroline Waite leading the way for ISU. The defense was also crucial, as the Redbirds forced 24 turnovers and scored 35 points off those errors.

“Every single one of our players made an outstanding contribution,” said ISU head coach Kristen Gilespie. “We were efficient, we were dominant, and that’s what we wanted to come and prove, not only to ourselves, but to show everyone.”

Dowell wouldn’t take her foot off the gas in today’s game, ending the first half with 23 points and shooting 11-11 from the free throw line. She would outscore SIU on her own 23-19 as ISU led 47-19 at halftime. Before the game turned into a blowout, Dowell was on pace to break an ISU record if she had gone 15 for 15 from the free throw line.

“I think everyone in our program knew that Shannon was going to come out and play like that,” said Coach Gillespie. “I know I’m her coach, but Shannon is one of the 6 best players in our conference.”

Dowell was recently named to the All-MVC second team.

Dowell’s 23 points put her at 508 on the season, which makes her the third player in program history to have 500 points in their freshman or sophomore season.

Dowell joined ISU Hall of Famers Cathy Boswell and Kristi Cirone as the only players to score 500 points in a season as a freshman or sophomore.

In the second half, the Redbirds did not take their foot off the gas. Guard Caroline Waite took over, knocking down five of her six threes in this half alone. Waite finished with 20 points, and her six three-pointers in the game were second all-time in an MVC postseason game.

“Coach challenged me coming in just to have a great mindset,” said Waite. “Its great momentum going into the next game.”

ISU’s victory was the third-largest margin of victory in tournament history. The 40-point victory was also the most in program history at the tournament.

Tomorrow, the fifth-seeded Redbirds will take on the fourth-seeded Drake Bulldogs at the Ford Center on Friday at 2:30 pm.