Illinois State Women’s Basketball Finishes Strong, Defeats Dayton On The Road
Written by Quinn Lyons on November 6, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics
DAYTON, Oh. — Illinois State women’s basketball overcame a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit Friday, using a late scoring surge and a strong overtime performance to earn a 91-87 win over Dayton at UD Arena.
The Redbirds faced an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter before putting together a 14-0 run to regain control. Dayton managed to even the score late, forcing the game into overtime.
Illinois State opened the contest with six unanswered points, but Dayton responded to make it a competitive first quarter. The Flyers closed the opening 10 minutes with a 21-19 advantage.
Dayton carried its momentum into the second quarter, using a 7-0 run to move ahead 26-23. Both teams continued trading baskets throughout the period before Nevaeh Thomas converted a three-point play to help the Redbirds build a 37-33 lead.
Neither team was able to gain much separation in the third quarter as the lead changed hands several times. Dayton eventually found itself ahead 61-57 heading into the final period.
The Flyers looked to take control early in the fourth, putting together an 8-1 scoring run. However, Illinois State refused to back down. The Redbirds responded with 14 consecutive points, completely changing the momentum and forcing overtime after Dayton fought back to tie the game.
In the extra period, Trista Fayta stepped up for Illinois State, scoring five straight points to help put the game away. The Redbirds held on for the 91-87 victory, moving to 2-0 on the season.
Thomas continued to establish herself as a key piece of the Redbird offense, recording another 20-plus-point performance. She became the first Illinois State player to accomplish the feat since Jamie Russel during the 2012-13 season.
Illinois State will look to carry its undefeated start into its next matchup Saturday against Augustana. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at CEFCU Arena.
For all things Illinois State Women’s basketball, stay tuned to WZND.com
