Redbird senior Jamie Russell led ISU with 16 points. (WJBC File Photo)

By WJBC Staff

WICHITA, Kan. – Jamie Russell led the Redbirds with 16 points, but her effort wasn’t enough, as the Illinois State (13-7, 5-3 MVC) women’s basketball team fell to Wichita State (14-5, 8-0 MVC), 66-54, Friday at Koch Arena.

Russell had four rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes. Candace Sykes was the only other Redbird to score in double figures, as she netted 15 points with five rebounds. Janae Smith pulled down 10 boards, including four on the offensive end and added eight points. The Redbirds shot 39 percent from the field, while the Shockers connected on 46 percent of their attempts. ISU had the advantage on the boards, as it out-rebounded WSU by 15.

The two teams had a defensive battle to start the game, but Wichita State used a 7-0 run to take a 9-2 advantage at the 14:48 mark, as Illinois State was scoreless for over three minutes. Illinois State regrouped and went on a 9-0 run of its own. Chloe Nelson made a nice pass to an open Sykes in the lane, who made the layup and drew the foul. Sykes completed the and-one play to give Illinois State its first lead of the game, 11-9. During the Redbird run, the Shockers were scoreless for over five minutes.

PODCAST: Coach Stephanie Glance says ISU's offense couldn't keep up with the Shockers

ISU and WSU exchanged baskets until Wichita State went on a 10-0 run, including back-to-back threes to take a six-point lead, 26-20, with just over three minutes to play. Illinois State scored two-straight baskets to get within four, 28-24, heading into the locker room. 

Illinois State was led by Russell, who had eight points, while the team shot 42 percent from the field. The Redbirds out-rebounded the Shockers by 12 boards, holding WSU to nine rebounds in the first half. Wichita State shot 44 percent from the field.

Coming out of the break, Wichita State went on an 11-5 run, taking a 10-point lead 39-29 with 13:14 left to play in the game. Illinois State regained momentum off of a three pointer by Sykes, as the Redbirds went on a 12-3 run to get within three points, 48-45, with 5:04 left in the game. During the run, Sykes hit another three, while Russell and Smith had strong plays in the paint. Wichita State connected on late free throws, as the Redbirds weren’t able to come all the way back and fell, 66-54.

Illinois State will be back in action against Missouri State on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Listen to the game on WJBC AM 1230.