Southern Illinois University
12-7,4-4MVC
Illinois State University
13-6,5-3MVC
Salukis fall to Redbirds, 62-54
01/31/2020 | 9:10:00 | Women's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois University women's basketball team couldn't erase a 13-point fourth quarter deficit despite a late comeback Friday night against the Illinois State Redbirds, as the Redbirds hung on for a 62-54 win inside Banterra Center.
The game was close throughout the first three quarters as neither team led by more than five through the first 30 minutes of play. Southern led at the end of the first (15-12) and second periods (27-25) while Illinois State took a narrow 44-42 lead at the end of the third.
The first five minutes of the fourth quarter was where the Redbirds (13-6, 5-3) gained enough separation to take the win. Illinois State used a 15-2 scoring run to build a 13-point advantage, 55-44 with 4:52 to play in the fourth. Southern countered with an 8-0 run over the next two minutes to get to within five, but that was as close as it could get.
"That was a tough one to lose," seventh-year head coach Cindy Stein said. "But as I told our team, I'm not discouraged by it. We play hard. I think the details got away from us tonight and that's where we have to continue to get better."
The Redbirds benefited from a 38-to-27 advantage on the glass as it seemed as though every rebound bounced their way. When the ball did come SIU's way off the rim, the Salukis had difficulties corralling the ball.
"Rebounding was an issue with us not grabbing the ball," Stein said. "I counted seven times where the ball got knocked out of our hands when we had possession of it. Those little details are just so important."
Gabby Walker was a big part of SIU's late comeback, as she scored 12 of her team-best 14 points in the second half, including six in the fourth quarter. The St. Charles, Mo. native was 6-of-8 from the floor and added three rebounds in 26 minutes of work. It marked the second-straight game, and the sixth time this season, that the junior transfer has reached double figures.
"Gabby is doing a great job and she's working hard," Stein said. "We were able to isolate her tonight."
Makenzie Silvey reached double figures for the 15th time this season, as she added 11 points and three rebounds. Abby Brockmeyer chipped in six points and six rebounds while Brittney Patrick added nine points, five assists, four boards and three steals.
The Salukis will look to get back to their winning ways on Sunday against the Bradley Braves. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
