I-74 Rivalry Takes Center Stage at CEFCU Arena

Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media 

NORMAL, Ill. –  The I-74 rivalry is back in action this afternoon as the Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball team takes on the Bradley Braves in the program’s annual Play4Kay game, an event where Illinois State has had strong success raising funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in support of cancer research and awareness.

This matchup between the Redbirds and the Braves marks the 89th meeting between Illinois State and Bradley. The Redbirds lead the all-time series 58–30 and have won nine of the last 10 games against the Braves.  Bradley won the most recent matchup between the two teams, picking up a 70–65 win at home on February 23, 2025.

The Redbirds come into the game on a two-game winning streak, picking up victories over Indiana State and Northern Iowa in their most recent matchups. Illinois State holds an overall record of 12–9 on the season and is 6–4 in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Leading the Redbirds in scoring is Doneelah Washington, who is averaging 16.3 points per game this season. 

On the Bradley side of things, the Braves come into the matchup on a three-game winning streak, with victories over Valparaiso, UIC, and Drake. Bradley holds a 14–7 overall record on the season and is 7–3 in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Leading the Braves in scoring is senior guard Kaylen Nelson, who is averaging 18.4 points per game this season.

Illinois State holds a perfect 10–0 record at CEFCU Arena this season, marking the best home start under head coach Kristen Gillespie. Sunday’s matchup is a big one in the Missouri Valley Conference race, as the Redbirds and Braves are separated by just one game in the standings, with Bradley sitting one spot ahead of Illinois State.

Today’s game will tip off at 2 p.m. at CEFCU Arena.

For all things ISU women’s basketball, be sure to stay tuned into wznd.com.