Illinois State Secures Key 59–55 Victory Over Northern Iowa

NORMAL, Ill. — After an 8–8 tie at the end of the first quarter and closing out the first half with a slim 20–19 lead, the Redbirds went on to defeat Northern Iowa 59–55 in a low-scoring defensive battle.

It was a tough shooting night for both teams, as Northern Iowa finished 21-for-58 from the field while Illinois State shot 19-for-51. The difference in the game came at the free-throw line. Northern Iowa went 6-for-10 from the stripe, while the Redbirds knocked down 13 of their 16 attempts.

Illinois State attempted just two free throws in the first half, but that number jumped to 14 in the second half as the Redbirds played with more aggression offensively. Head coach Kristen Gillespie said she challenged her team at halftime to attack the basket, play with pace, and get to the free-throw line.

We were easy to guard in the first half,” Gillespie said. “At halftime, we talked about playing with more pace and being more aggressive, and that helped us get to the free-throw line.”

Three Redbirds scored in double figures, led by freshman guard Kya Hurt, who finished with a team -high 16 points. Sophomore guard Trista Fatya and sophomore forward Doneelah Washington each added 11 points. Illinois State did just enough to secure the win and extend its perfect home record to 10–0 this season.

Head coach Kristen Gillespie said the home crowd continues to play a major role in the team’s success this season. 

“Our fan base means the world to us,” Gillespie said. “We take a lot of pride playing at CEFCU Arena, and we never want to let our fans down.”

With the win over Northern Iowa, Illinois State improves to 12–9 on the season and 6–4 in conference play. The Redbirds will be back in action Sunday, when they welcome I-74 rival Bradley for their annual Play 4 Kay game. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m, at CEFCU Arena against the Braves.

For all things Redbird Women’s Basketball, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.