Women's basketball Travels to Take On 4-1 George Mason

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team is scheduled to face-off against the George Mason Patriots for the second time in program history on Wednesday.

GAME INFORMATION
Illinois State (1-1) at George Mason (4-1)
When: Wednesday, November 22
Tip-Off: 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Location: Eagle Bank Arena

The Series – George Mason leads the series 1-0. The Redbirds took on George Mason for the first time in program history in the 2016-17 season and dropped 72-46.

Redbirds – What you need to know

The Redbirds opened the 2017-18 regular season on the road at Oakland University and dropped 64-43. Simone Goods led in that game with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. The team returned home to host Northern Kentucky at Redbird Arena and captured their first win. Megan Talbot added a career high of 17 points to put the Redbirds ahead 49-37.

Key Players

Junior Simone Goods was one of four Missouri Valley Conference newcomers to hit a double-double in her first game and has proven to be a threat on both sides of the ball.

Freshman Paige Saylor leads her team with time on the court, putting in 40 minutes in each game. The point guard plays a vital leadership role that can make a difference for the Redbirds.

Sophomore Megan Talbot showcased her improvement in Wednesday night's game versus the Norse. She added 17 points, eight rebounds and one steal to aid the Redbirds to victory.

Patriots – What you need to know

The Patriots have played four games in six days and won all of them by 12 points or more. They are 4-1 on the season, with their only loss being to Michigan. The Patriots are led by fifth-year head coach Nyla Milleson. Prior to her arrival at George Mason, Milleson made a name for herself in the Missouri Valley Conference after she led the Missouri State Bears to three WNIT appearances.  

Key Players

Nicole Cardaño-Hillary is the leading scorer for the Patriots, averaging 17.2 points per game. The freshman guard put up a team high of 23 points in one game versus Loyola University Maryland.

Natalie Butler is the strongest defensive threat for the Patriots, leading her team with a season total of 64 rebounds and 13 blocks. Butler averages 12.8 rebounds per game and 2.6 blocks per game.