Redbirds struggle from the field against UNI

NORMAL, Ill.—Illinois State shot a season-worst 30.4% from the field and 25.0% from three, as they fell to UNI 72-52.

The Redbirds traded blows with UNI early before the Panthers extended their lead in the early stages of the second quarter.

After trailing 38-29 at halftime, UNI never looked back and kept the Redbirds out of striking distance in the second half, capped off by a 14-4 run to open the final period of play, which sealed the Redbirds fate.

Nevaeh Thomas was the lone Redbird in double figures, finishing the game with a team-high 13 points along with 5 rebounds and 1 block.

Addison Martin led Illinois State with 10 rebounds, marking her second game of the season with 10 or more rebounds.

Doneelah Washington blocked her 26th shot of the season, leading all freshmen in the Missouri Valley Conference this year, and ranks 5th in MVC play overall.

Elyce Knudsen, who had been red hot during the Redbirds’ most recent winning streak, struggled to find her groove offensively, finishing the game with 8 points while shooting 3-13 from the field and 2-7 from three-point range.

28 points outscored the Redbirds bench, as they contributed 12 points compared to UNI’s 40 points of the bench.

Illinois State now sits at 14-9 on the season after losing two straight games. Their next matchup sees them traveling to Terre Haute to play Indiana State on Thursday, February 13, where coach Kristen Gillespie’s team will hope to return to their winning ways.