NORMAL, Ill.- The Illinois State Redbirds soared to a dominant 101-52 victory over the Chicago State Cougars on Wednesday during Education Day at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds’ explosive offense,led by Nevaeh Thomas’ 15 points,marked their first 100-point performance since December,improving their all-time record against Chicago State to 6-0.
Illinois State established control early, opening the game with a 27-8 first quarter and extending their lead to 31-11 midway through the period. They continued their strong performance into the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 24-11 to lead 55-22 at halftime. A 9-0 run and a larger 14-2 burst in the third quarter pushed the Redbirds’ advantage to 71-31,highlighted by a pair of free throws from Zanyra Adams.
Five Redbirds scored in double figures, including freshman Jaeden pratt who achieved a career-high 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, alongside Hurt with a career-best 13 points.Addison Martin contributed 10 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while Adams finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Doneelah Washington nearly recorded a double-double with seven points and nine rebounds, adding a career-high tying four blocked shots.
ISU closed out the game with a 24-15 final quarter,securing the decisive 101-52 win. The Redbirds will next travel to Chicago to face Loyola in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, november 18, at Gentile Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
