McLean County Times

Illinois State women's basketball team faced a narrow defeat against Boise State in the opening round of the 2024 Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena. Despite having five players score in double figures, Illinois State fell short with a final score of 79-76.

Nevaeh Thomas led the team with 19 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing her second 20-point game as a Redbird. She contributed significantly in the fourth quarter as Illinois State overcame a seven-point deficit to tie the game. Shannon Dowell added 17 points and was perfect from the free throw line, including crucial shots that tied the game at 76 in the closing moments.

Doneelah Washington came off the bench to achieve her first double-figure performance with ten points and matched her season-high of five rebounds. Elyce Knudsen scored 12 points, while Maya Wong added another eleven for Illinois State.

The Redbirds trailed by seven midway through the fourth quarter but managed to level the score with just seconds remaining. Dowell's steal and subsequent free throws brought them even before Boise State responded with a decisive basket and foul shot to secure their victory. A last-second three-pointer by Knudsen went down but did not count due to time expiration.

Illinois State showed resilience by hitting nine consecutive free throws during their late-game push, including six from Dowell who scored eight points in that period.

This match marked Illinois State's first encounter with Boise State. Senior Caroline Waite achieved a personal milestone by making her 200th career three-pointer during this game.

For more information on Illinois State sports events and updates, visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.