McLean County Times

Illinois State women's basketball team overcame a significant early deficit to defeat UNI 79-66 in a Missouri Valley Conference game held at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds, now with a record of 9-6 overall and 3-1 in the MVC, were led by Shannon Dowell's impressive performance. Dowell recorded her second double-double of the season with 25 points and 11 rebounds, also contributing four assists.

Maya Wong added to the team's success with a solid defensive effort that limited UNI's Maya McDermott to nine points. Wong also scored 13 points and provided five assists. Addi Martin matched her season high with 14 points and contributed six rebounds and two assists. Nevaeh Thomas continued her streak of double-doubles, scoring all ten of her points in the second half along with ten rebounds.

The Redbirds faced an early challenge as they trailed UNI by fifteen points in the first quarter. However, a strong comeback was initiated by Dowell's three-pointer that briefly gave Illinois State their first lead during the second quarter. Although UNI regained control before halftime, Illinois State tied the game at 56 by the end of the third quarter thanks to Wong's three-pointer assisted by Dowell.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois State took command with seven unanswered points leading to a decisive victory. Dowell scored ten points in this period alone as Illinois State outscored UNI 23-10.

Throughout this season, Illinois State has consistently had multiple players score in double figures, achieving this feat in thirteen out of fifteen games so far. The team dominated on rebounds against UNI with a total advantage of 41-27 and shot over fifty percent from the field for the sixth time this season.

Dowell's performance marked her fourth career game scoring more than twenty-five points against an MVC opponent—a milestone unmatched by any other Redbird since the start of the 2009-10 campaign before reaching their sophomore year.

Thomas leads Illinois State with six double-doubles this season, matching her previous year's total while playing for Evansville.

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