McLean County Times

Illinois State women's basketball team advanced to the WNIT Fab 4 after defeating Louisiana Tech 78-70 in the WNIT Great 8, held on Monday at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds, boasting a season record of 24-12, shot a postseason program record of 58.7%. Elyce Knudsen set a new single-season program three-point record during the game.

Knudsen scored 21 points, including five triples that increased her season total to 90, setting a program record. She contributed 18 points in the second half alone, shooting 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. In addition to Knudsen, Nevaeh Thomas scored 16 points, Maya Wong added 15, and Shannon Dowell scored 10.

The victory saw Illinois State achieving a program postseason shooting record with 58.3% from the field and 57.1% from the three-point range. Significant contributions came from Knudsen, Thomas, and Wong, with each knocking down at least three triples.

The game saw a comeback from the Redbirds, who were initially trailing Louisiana Tech 30-22 in the first half. They managed a 14-point run to take a lead of 38-31 at halftime. Though Louisiana Tech regained a lead in the third quarter, Illinois State responded effectively, regaining the lead and securing the win in the final quarter.

Illinois State's 24-season victories match the 2022-23 team's record under head coach Kristen Gillespie and ranks fifth place in program history. Knudsen has become the first player in program history to achieve 90+ triples in a single season and stands tied for 8th in MVC history on three-pointers in a season.

As the Redbirds prepare to face Troy in the WNIT Fab 4 on Wednesday, Dowell has claimed 932 career points, ranking second-most for a Redbird before the end of their sophomore year. Illinois State has had continued success in WNIT history, improving to a 19-10 overall record, with a notable 16-3 record at home since 2000.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide fans with access to tickets, athletic gifts, and other Redbird-related merchandise and information.