McLean County Times

Illinois State University's women's basketball team faced a narrow defeat against the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a final score of 71-68. The game, held on Friday, marked the Redbirds' non-conference finale.

The Redbirds had four players scoring in double figures. Elyce Knudsen led with 17 points, hitting four out of ten three-point attempts. She contributed significantly during the third quarter when Illinois State briefly took the lead for the first time since the opening quarter.

Shannon Dowell and Nevaeh Thomas both achieved double-doubles in this game. Dowell recorded her first double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas secured her second consecutive double-double and third overall this season, adding 11 points and a season-high of 12 rebounds to her record. Notably, she scored nine out of her eleven points in the second half.

Maya Wong also reached double figures for the fifth time this season by scoring ten points and providing two assists.

Despite trailing by twelve points early on, Illinois State managed to take a brief lead during the second half after an impressive 20-6 run that stretched from midway through the second quarter into early in the third quarter. However, UAB's ability to make fifteen three-pointers ultimately helped them secure victory.

Throughout the second half, both teams exchanged runs with UAB leading by as much as eight points at one stage. In a tense finish, Dowell hit two free throws reducing UAB's lead to just three points with five seconds left on the clock. Knudsen had an opportunity to tie with a last-second three-pointer but missed, allowing UAB to claim victory.

In terms of performance statistics, Illinois State has seen four or more players score in double figures in nine out of their eleven games this season. They have been successful in such scenarios since last year’s campaign start—winning nineteen out of twenty-four games when achieving this feat.

Additionally, Illinois State outrebounded UAB significantly (45-31), marking their sixth occurrence of outperforming opponents on rebounds over seven recent games and maintaining their streak from previous matches where they gathered over forty-five boards per game.

For further updates on Illinois State sports events including ticket purchases or merchandise details visit GoRedbirds.com or download their official app available online.