Second half surge not enough for Redbirds

Posted on February 25, 2018
Illinois State was handed a tough 80-64 loss by the Bulldogs of Drake. The Redbirds move to 7-10 in the MVC. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By ISU Sports Information

DES MOINES, IW – Illinois State Women’s Basketball fell short 80-64 in a second half battle against the undefeated Bulldogs.

Listen to ISU Coach Kristen Gillespie discuss the loss to Drake:

HOW IT HAPPENED

Drake won the tip and hustled down for two. The Redbirds quickly responded with an open 3-point shot by Megan Talbot. The teams battled it out in back-and-forth style until the Bulldogs went on a seven-point run to push ahead 15-7 with 3:43 on the clock in the first. Hannah Green snapped the streak with a 3-pointer to tighten the gap to five. The Redbirds could not find a way to overcome the deficit and went into the second quarter behind 25-14.

Simone Goods put the next two in for the ‘Birds with 7:01 on the clock in the second to trail 27-16. Drake answered with another two, but Paige Saylor found Green for three to stay within 10. The Bulldogs fired back with a run and were strong from the field, shooting 81.5 percent to head into halftime 51-27.

The Redbirds began chipping away late in the third quarter as Talbot gained heat, scoring five to come within 17. Saylor followed Talbot and put in another two to trail 59-44. The ‘Birds began to find an offensive rhythm and cut the deficit to 15 to end the third, outscoring the Bulldogs 23-14.

The Redbirds fought for a comeback in the fourth, but could not find a way to the top, resulting in an 80-64 loss.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

  • Green led all scorers today adding 22 points, which ties her career high.
  • Goods followed with 14, Saylor added 12 and Talbot contributed 10 points.
  • Katrina Beck dished out four assists for the ‘Birds and added four points.
  • The Bulldogs were led by Sara Rhine, she added 19 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
  • This is the most points Illinois State has allowed this season.

What’s Next

The Redbirds finish the regular season on rival turf at the Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria, Illinois as they face the Bradley Braves on Saturday.

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