Illinois State Defeats Belmont in Overtime, Improves to 13–0 at Home
Written by Nicholas Thompson on February 21, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media
NORMAL, IL – The Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball team was home at CEFCU Arena last night as to take on conference opponent Belmont Bruins basketball.
The Redbirds entered the game with a 15–10 overall record on the season and a 9–5 mark in conference play.
Belmont came into the matchup with a 16–9 overall record and an impressive 12–2 record in conference play.
It was a very back-and-forth and competitive game between the two teams, but the Redbirds were able to come away with the win, defeating Belmont in overtime 83–78.
The frontcourt for the Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball came ready to play. Sophomore forward and three-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week winner Doneelah Washington led the way, finishing with a game-high 31 points and 12 rebounds.
Alongside Washington, senior forward Addison Martin added 24 points in the win. Sophomore point guard Trista Fayta chipped in with a game-high 11 assists, helping fuel the Redbirds’ offense throughout the night.
Leading the way for the Belmont Bruins women’s basketball was junior guard Jailyn Banks, who finished the game with 26 points, three assists, and three rebounds.
With the win against Belmont, the Redbirds improved to 13–0 at home this season, marking their best start on their home floor since the 2010–11 season.
Illinois State now has just two home games remaining as they look to stay perfect at home. One matchup will be against Missouri Valley Conference leader Murray State, and the final home game will come against Southern Illinois.
Up next for the Redbirds is Murray State, who enters the matchup 23–3 on the season and 14–1 in conference play.
It will be senior night at CEFCU Arena, and that game is set to tip off at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The broadcast on wznd.com will start at 1:50 p.m. with Adam Tichler and Kole Schipper.
For all things Redbird basketball, stay tuned to wznd.com.
