McLean County Times

Illinois State women's basketball team secured a 79-65 victory over Valparaiso on Friday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Shannon Dowell led the Redbirds with 22 points, contributing significantly to their success. The team now holds a record of 10-7 overall and 4-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).

Dowell scored 15 points in the first half and made nine out of eleven free throws. She also added six rebounds and two assists to her performance. Nevaeh Thomas achieved her fourth double-double in six MVC games this season, scoring 16 points and matching her season-high with 12 rebounds. Thomas also provided four assists during the game.

Maya Wong contributed with 11 points and a team-high six assists, while Addison Martin added ten points and five rebounds. Illinois State took an early lead of 19-11 in the first quarter, but Valparaiso narrowed it down to one point by the second quarter's mid-point. Dowell then led a personal run that extended Illinois State's lead before halftime.

In the second half, Illinois State opened with a strong start, leading by as much as 19 points to secure their win comfortably.

The Redbirds had a notable advantage on rebounds, holding a 43-21 edge over Valparaiso. This marks their sixth time grabbing over forty boards in their last eight games and their tenth time outrebounding opponents in thirteen games this season.

Dowell recorded her sixth game scoring over twenty points this season and averages 20.3 points per game since league play began. Thomas has seven double-doubles this season, surpassing her previous mark from last year at Evansville.

The Redbirds shot fifty percent or better from the field for the fourth time in six MVC games this season, having achieved this feat more than any other team in the Valley so far.

Illinois State consistently finishes games with multiple players scoring in double figures; they have done so fourteen times out of sixteen games this season. Since starting the campaign last year, they are notably successful when achieving such balance among scorers.

For further information on Illinois State sports events or merchandise, fans can visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.