Illinois State women’s basketball suffered its first home defeat of the season, falling 73-62 to the Murray State Racers on Sunday at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds (16-11, 10-6) had a strong start and led by 14 points at halftime after shooting over 65% from the field. However, a drop in shooting performance during the second half allowed league-leading Murray State (24-3, 15-1) to come back for the win.
Murray State opened with a quick lead before Illinois State responded with a 16-0 run that included contributions from Doneelah Washington, Jaeden Pratt, Grace Nelson, and Addison Martin. This surge put the Redbirds ahead 18-7 and forced an early timeout from the Racers. By the end of the first quarter, Illinois State led 20-11.
The second quarter saw Murray State cut into the deficit with a 9-2 run. Illinois State answered with an 11-0 stretch highlighted by eight points from Trista Fayta. Washington scored just before halftime to give ISU a 14-point advantage going into the break.
After halftime, Murray State narrowed the gap again with a strong third quarter performance. Back-to-back three-pointers from Halli Poock kept them close as they trailed by only three points entering the fourth quarter.
In the final period, both teams struggled to score early until Murray State took its first lead since midway through the opening quarter. Martin tied it at 55 for Illinois State, but Murray State responded with an 8-4 run and then extended their lead to double digits in the closing minutes.
Fayta finished as ISU’s top scorer at halftime with 16 points on perfect shooting. Seven different Redbirds contributed in scoring during the first quarter. De’Shawnti Thomas made her first career start for Illinois State on Senior Day. The team shot nearly 70% in the second quarter alone.
Three players—Fayta (18), Washington (14), and Martin (14)—scored in double figures for Illinois State. Washington also recorded her tenth double-double of the season with ten rebounds.
Illinois State will host Southern Illinois on Thursday at CEFCU Arena for its final home game of this season.
The official website notes that Illinois State Redbirds is affiliated with Illinois State University and competes in NCAA Division I events across various regions. The program benefits from resources such as news updates, schedules, rosters, fan engagement opportunities, and support funds like the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund aimed at improving competitiveness and recruitment efforts (source). Student-athletes prepare using facilities like OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center (source).
