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Seniors Dinma Odiakosa and Lloyd Phillips combined for 25 second-half points to lead Illinois State to a 71-68 come-from-behind victory over Drake Saturday on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena in front of 8,291 fans.
llinois State reached season highs in points, field goal percentage (59.6 percent), and three-point field goals made (12), while also extending its season-long winning streak to nine games in a 90-61 win over Indiana State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Saturday.
Alexander Pelaez won his fifth straight singles match Sunday to help the Illinois State men's tennis team defeat Eastern Illinois, 5-2, at the Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Ill. The Redbirds won two of three matches over the weekend to improve their record to 4-2.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State men's basketball team defeated Drake Saturday at Redbird Arena, according to
The Pantagraph:
Young missed the second of two free throws with 1.1 seconds left that could have tied a wild Missouri Valley Conference game at Redbird Arena. Eldridge sank two free throws with 0.5 seconds left before a halfcourt heave from Frank Wedel was off the mark as ISU hung on for a 71-68 victory before a crowd of 8,291.
The ISU women's basketball team ran over Indiana State Saturday, 90-61, according to
The Pantagraph:
The Redbirds punctured Indiana State for a season-high 12 3-pointers and established season bests for points and shooting percentage in a 90-61 Missouri Valley Conference pasting of the Sycamores before a crowd of 1,989.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
For the second-straight season, Illinois State will host Morehead State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. The two teams will meet again Saturday, Feb. 20, at 4:05 p.m., as a result of the BracketBusters matchup.
For the second-consecutive week, Illinois State senior forward Ashleen Bracey was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday. Bracey earned the third honor of her career and became the second player to win the award in consecutive weeks.
Illinois State Athletics, in conjunction with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), will present "Pink Zone" on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Friday, February 12, when the Redbird women's basketball team plays host to Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State at 7:05 p.m.
For the first time in his career, Illinois State senior Dinma Odiakosa was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Senior Ashleen Bracey was named the MVC Player of the Week for the second-straight week, according to
The Pantagraph:
Bracey averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in two Redbird wins, while shooting 65.2 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from 3-point range (4-for-10) and 7-for-7 from the free throw line.
Senior Dinma Odiakosa was named the MVC Player of the Week for the first time in his career Monday, according to
The Pantagraph:
Odiakosa averaged 17.5 points and 10 rebounds per game in two games, including a career-best 25 points against Bradley on Saturday.
The ISU men's basketball team will host Morehead State Feb. 20 at 4:05 p.m., for its BracketBuster game, according to
The Pantagraph:
It will be the second straight season that Morehead State has visited Redbird Arena as the Redbirds defeated the Eagles, 76-70, on Dec. 14, 2008.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Lloyd Phillips poured in a career-best 22 points and scored Illinois State's final seven points, but it wasn't enough as the Redbirds dropped a 74-66 decision against Wichita State Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena.
Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack and his staff will publicly announce the 2010 Redbird recruiting class at a National Signing Day party to be held at Alexander's Steakhouse in Normal, Ill., the evening of Feb. 3.
Danielle Schumacher was named the MVC Swimmer of the Week after achieving two personal-best times and a first- and second-place finish against Big Ten rival Illinois over the weekend.
The Illinois State softball team was picked to finish fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll Wednesday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The ISU men's basketball team recorded its third loss in four games Wednesday against Wichita State, according to
The Pantagraph:
ISU's defense allowed the Shockers to shoot 50 percent from the field and 3-point range. The Redbirds used a furious rally to get within four points in the final minute before Wichita State held on for a 74-66 victory before a sellout crowd of 10,505.
Point guards Amanda Clifton and Alexis Jenkins have worked together to help the Redbirds go on a six-game winning streak, according to
The Pantagraph:
The steady play of Clifton and Jenkins has been crucial during ISU's six-game winning streak entering Thursday's 7:05 p.m. Missouri Valley Conference game against Northern Iowa at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The ISU softball team was picked to finish fifth in the Valley Preseason Coaches' Poll, according to
The Pantagraph:
Creighton, is coming off of its third straight Valley title, is favored, picking up 97 of 100 possible points in the poll. The Redbirds received 66.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The winner of tonight's game claims second place in the Missouri Valley Conference race, but both Illinois State and Wichita State are coming off tough road losses. The Redbirds fell 81-80 in overtime at Southern Illinois Saturday, while Wichita State dropped a 78-64 decision at Drake.
Illinois State senior forward Ashleen Bracey was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday. She became the first Redbird to be honored this season after averaging a double-double over three games.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
ISU forward Ashleen Bracey was named the MVC Player of the Week Monday, according to
The Pantagraph:
Bracey recorded career highs with 26 points and 17 rebounds against Missouri State, the highest totals by a Redbird in either category this season.
The ISU gymanstics team won its first meet of the season Sunday, according to
The Daily Vidette:
The Redbirds came back in dramatic fashion to get their first win of the year by edging out Western Michigan 190.925-190.525. Air Force Academy came in third place with a 185.150 and UW-La Crosse rounded out the scoring at the quad meet with a 183.300.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
For the fourth time in the last nine days, the Illinois State basketball team is on the road. The Redbird close out their four-game road swing at Eastern Illinois Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Illinois State returns to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena after splitting a two-game road swing. Tonight's game against Grambling State will serve as the final tune-up for the Redbirds, as they embark on the Missouri Valley Conference season Dec. 29 against Wichita State.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Freshman Justin Clark isn't starting his college career the way he was expecting, but Clark wants to start making more baskets, according to
The Pantagraph:
This has not been the kind of start Justin Clark envisioned for his Illinois State basketball career. Pure shooters like Clark don't make 3-of-27 field goal attempts as he has done thus far.
Transfer Hannah Spanich is playing her first season for the ISU women's basketball team, and she is becoming a key player for the Redbirds, according to
The Pantagraph:
The 6-foot junior, who moved into the starting lineup two games ago, is fourth on the Redbirds in scoring at 8.6 points per game and is contributing 3.0 rebounds. Spanich also is first in steals (11), second in blocked shots (8) and third in assists (16).
Thursday, December 17, 2009
This is the first taste of the Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge Series for both Illinois State and Utah. The series will feature nine games between the two leagues in each of the next four seasons.
Senior Dinma Odiakosa was the only player from Illinois State to score in double figures with 13 points, as the Redbirds were dealt their second-consecutive loss, falling 75-57 to Ohio in the Convocation Center Wednesday night.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced its class of 2010 Hall of Fame inductees, and ISU softball coach Melinda Fischer will receive the elite honor next December.
The Illinois State baseball team posted a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) and landed 24 student-athletes on the AFNI Athletics Honor Roll during the fall semester, matching the highest single-semester mark established by the program as grades were released Wednesday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State men's basketball team was handed their second-consecutive loss Wednesday against Ohio, according to
The Pantagraph:
The Redbirds came out of the locker room after the halftime intermission, but didn't really show up for a while. Ohio built a 20-point cushion and cruised to a 75-57 rout over ISU before a Convocation Center crowd of 3,694 on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Illinois State (4-3) ratcheted up its defense in the second half, holding Wisconsin-Milwaukee (5-5) to just 11 points, to beat the Panthers, 51-38, Tuesday night. The Redbirds held the Panthers to the lowest point total by an opponent in nearly 16 years.
The Illinois State soccer team had three student-athletes named to the 2009 Great Lakes All-Region Team, as announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
The Illinois State basketball team heads on the road in search of its outside shooting. The Redbirds suffered their first loss of the season Sunday, against Niagara (76-68), while shooting 5-for-23 beyond the arc. ISU is shooting 30.7 percent from three-point range, while tonight's opponent, Ohio, is only allowing a 27.7 percent success rate on treys.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Illinois State's front court combined to score 39 points, keyed a 42-22 edge in the paint scoring, and led 49-28 on the boards, but a three-point barrage by Niagara negated the inside imbalance and helped hand the Redbirds their first loss, 76-68, on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Sunday.
Ball State shot 59 percent from the field and scored 21 points off of Illinois State turnovers; two of the big factors that led to the Cardinals' (4-5) 86-80 win over Illinois State (3-3) Sunday afternoon. A big Ball State run to start the second half nullified five Redbird scorers in double-figures.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Former Redbird Mike Prior was named Marian Catholic's Greatest Athlete, according to
The South Town Star:
Prior played four years of both football and baseball in Normal and still holds the Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference record for career interceptions (24). He is also the Redbirds' career punt return yardage leader with 906 yards.
Kolby Hoffman, a Redbird softball signee, was named the Interstate Eight Conference MVP for volleyball, according to
The Hearld News:
Totaled 291 kills, 115 digs, 151 points, 30 aces and 18 blocks
The Illinois State men's basketball team fell to Niagara Sunday afternoon, according to
The Pantagraph:
ISU (7-1) never got closer than three again. While Niagara sank 10 of 21 3-point attempts, the Redbirds were going 5-of-23 in suffering their first nonconference regular-season home loss since Dec. 10, 2005, snapping a 24-game winning streak.
The Illinois State women's basketball team was defeated by Ball State Sunday afternoon, according to
The Pantagraph:
Ball State shot 59 percent from the field and scored 21 points off turnovers to key the Cardinals to an 86-80 win over the Illinois State women's basketball team Sunday at Worthen Arena.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Today's game is a rematch of last season's ESPNU BracketBusters match-up between Illinois State and Niagara. In the history of the made-for-TV-event, the Redbirds have never lost a return game in the BracketBusters series. ISU boasts a 6-0 mark in BracketBusters series return games and are 11-2 all-time in games created by the event.
At the Illinois State Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 12, 27 former Redbird student-athletes will receive their degrees. The group represents 10 ISU sports and five of the student-athletes competed for the Redbirds this fall.
Illinois State diver Katelyn Prorok was awarded her third Missouri Valley Conference Diver of the Week honor Wednesday. The league office gave Prorok the award after making it into the finals during both days of competition at the Zippy Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
ISU's Dinma Odiakosa was nationally ranked No. 2 in field goal percentage this week with a field goal percentage of 72.9, according to
The Pantagraph:
Odiakosa has made 35 of 48 attempts for a .729 percentage through seven games for the unbeaten Redbirds. He trails only Dexter Pittman of Texas
ISU diver Katelyn Prorok was awarded her third MVC Diver of the Week honor, according to
The Pantagraph:
She placed sixth in three-meter diving (223.10 points) and seventh in one-meter diving (234.90) in the Zippy Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
After Illinois State's 75-62 win over Central Michigan, which pushed the Redbirds' record to 7-0 this season, the men's basketball received three votes in this week's Associated Press Top-25 poll.
What better gift is there to give a Redbird fan during the holiday season than authentic Illinois State game worn gear!
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The ISU swimming and diving team finished in fourth place at the Zippy Invitational, according to
The Pantagraph:
The Illinois State swimming and diving team tallied 1145.5 points to finish fourth at the Zippy Invitational in Akron, Ohio. Host Akron (1189), Buffalo (1225) and Ohio (1318) took the top three spots.
Friday, December 4, 2009
After a break of more than a week, the Illinois State women's basketball team returns to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena to face another in-state opponent. The Redbirds host Northern Illinois Friday night at 7:05 p.m.
The Illinois State football program doubled its wins from 2008 to finish with a 6-5 record and winning season. The turnaround was a complete team effort and members of the squad were recognized for their hard work by teammates and coaches at the team's annual awards meeting.
The Illinois State baseball team will hold its annual blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross in the Redbird Club Room at Redbird Arena from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State men's basketball team will be working hard on the practice court to make sure they know all they can, according to
The Pantagraph:
This will be the most extended practice time for the Redbirds until the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in March. ISU, which has final exams next week, is focusing much of that time on where it needs work before zeroing in on opponents a couple days beforehand.
When playing against Norther Illinois at home, the Illinois State women's basketball team hold a perfect 7-0 record. The Huskies hope to change their luck against the Redbirds tonight, according to
The Northern Star:
In the past, the Illinois State University women's basketball team has been very successful against NIU when given the home-court advantage. In fact, when put in that situation, the Redbirds hold a perfect 7-0 record against the Huskies (3-4). Tonight at 7 p.m., the NIU women's basketball team will be given a chance to change that record as it travels to Normal to take on ISU at Redbird Arena.
The Central Michigan men's basketball team looks to get its first road win of the season against Illinois State Saturday night, according to
The Central Michigan Life:
The Chippewas are coming off arguably their best performance, defeating Chicago State 78-40 Tuesday. Five players scored in double figures, including 16 from senior forward Chris Kellermann, who had struggled coming into the game.
The ISU baseball team will hold its annual blood drive at Redbird Arena Friday, according to
College Baseball Insider:
The Illinois State baseball team will hold its annual blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Redbird Arena. All blood types are needed.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Illinois State swimming and diving team will travel to Akron, Ohio, Friday for the three-day Zippy Invitational that will be held at the Olive J. Ocasek Natatorium. The competition will go through Sunday (Dec. 6) as the Redbirds will be competing in the invite for the ninth-consecutive season.
Illinois State men's golf head coach Ray Kralis added another weapon to his Missouri Valley Conference contenders. Wils Hawn of Waterloo High School in Waterloo, Ill., signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Redbird men's golf team for the 2010-11 season.
Illinois State senior Danielle Mutters is among 38 nominees for the 2009 Soccer News New Women's College Player of the Year Award, as announced by ChicagoLand Soccer News.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Senior Danielle Mutters is a nominee for the 2009 Soccer News women's college player of the year award, according to
The Pantagraph:
Mutters is also one of six finalists for the ChicagoLand Soccer News women's college player of the year award.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Illinois State sophomores Eric Brunner and Cliffton Gordon were among 43 student-athletes named to the 2009 Missouri Valley Football Confer¬ence All-Academic Team
Illinois State will play five consecutive games against 2009 NCAA Tournament teams to begin its spring trip and will match-up with 11 teams that won at least 30 games last season in a highly competitive 2010 baseball schedule released Tuesday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State baseball team released its 2010 schedule Tuesday, according to
The Pantagraph:
The schedule features 53 games, including 19 contests at home against Illinois, Northern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Purdue and Valley rivals Southern Illinois, Wichita State and Bradley.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Illinois State Athletics Department, in conjunction with WJBC, AM-1230, Bloomington, will hold a pair of WJBC Brotherhood Tree Nights, as the Redbird men's basketball team hosts Niagara on Dec. 13, and the ISU women's team faces Northern Illinois Dec. 4 on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. Redbird Athletics staff members will be accepting gift donations for needy families in McLean County before, during and after the game.
Following Illinois State's title run in the 2009 Basketball Travelers Classic and a 6-0 start to the 2009-10 season, the Illinois State men's basketball team has started receiving national attention in the form of four votes in both of this week's Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches Top-25 polls.
Illinois State redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Brown was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Freshman of the Year and three more of his teammates were named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team Monday, as voted on by the league's coaches, sports information directors and media members.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Illinois State freshman Matt Brown was named the MVC Freshman of the Year, according to
The Pantagraph:
Taking over as ISU's quarterback early in the season after Drew Kiel suffered a thumb injury, Brown set school freshman records for completions (226), attempts (352) and yards (2,369) and was named the Valley's Freshman of the Year on Monday.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
For the second time in three years, the Illinois State women's basketball team has been featured in an article on ESPN.com.
Illinois State sophomore middle blocker Tabitha Visk and senior libero Kasey Mollerus were named to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete team, as announced by the league office Tuesday.
Illinois leads the all-time series with Illinois State, 19-17. ISU posted a 14-2 record to start the series that began in 1972, including wins in the first eight meetings. Since 1985, Illinois is 17-5 against the Redbirds.
Illinois State's Osiris Eldridge tossed in 17 of his game-high 19 points in the first half, and the Redbirds held on for a 69-65 non-conference victory Monday night over UIC at the UIC Pavilion.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
West Lafayette knew that Matt Lancaster was a special quarterback, while Illinois State found out late in Saturday's win against Norther Iowa, according to
The JCOnline:
Thrust into the game after starter Matt Brown was injured, Lancaster threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eyad Salem with six-tenths of a second remaining to give the Redbirds a 22-20 victory over No. 9 Northern Iowa at Normal, Ill.
After defeating UCLA, the Illinois State women's basketball team is off to a good start, according to
ESPN:
As much as losing Cirone hurt, the Redbirds return four starters from a team that advanced to the semifinals of last season's postseason WNIT. One of those is senior Maggie Krick, the team's leading scorer at 19.3 points per game this season and a perfect example of why it's business as usual in Normal, Ill., this fall.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Illinois State enters tonight's game with a quick turnaround, after handing North Florida a 71-55 loss Saturday on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. As the Redbirds play their second game in three days, UIC is looking to recover from a 67-48 loss at Central Michigan Nov. 18.
Illinois State junior corner back E.J. Jones and senior kicker Zach Kutch earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week honors, respectively, for their role in the Redbirds' season-ending victory over No. 9 Northern Iowa, as announced by the league office Sunday.
Illinois State senior wide receiver Eyad Salem caught nine passes to set a new Illinois State record for receptions in a season, but none were more important than an eight-yard pass from freshman quarterback Matt Lancaster with less than a second remaining to lift the Redbirds to a 22-20 win over No. 9 Northern Iowa at Hancock Stadium Saturday.
The Illinois State volleyball team was unable to pull past Missouri State in its final match of the season, losing three sets to one. The Redbirds end the season with a 12-17 record and finish seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Osiris Eldridge and the Redbirds will play UIC Monday, while Eldridge returns home with a similar strategy that worked well his freshman year, according to
The Pantagraph:
Eldridge enjoyed the best game of his new Illinois State career, scoring 19 points to lead the Redbirds past Illinois-Chicago. He returns today to the UIC Pavilion as a senior with many battle scars, but will stick to the same game plan that worked so well as a freshman.
The Illinois State football team's defense played the best game of the Redbirds' season in ISU's win against UNI, according to
The Pantagraph:
Cornerback E.J. Jones added eight tackles and pair of interceptions and was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Linebacker Austin Davis also had eight stops, while tackle Eric Brunner had seven tackles and a whopping five quarterback hurries.
Monday, November 20, 2009
Illinois State forward Ashleen Bracey scored a 24 points and pulled down seven rebounds - both game highs - to lead Illinois State to a tough 79-67 win over South Dakota State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Thursday night.
The Redbirds will have their first of 17 regular-season home games on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena when they host North Florida. Illinois State will look to improve to 2-0 on the season, which would mark the third-consecutive season where the Redbirds would begin a campaign with two-straight wins.
The final weekend of Missouri Valley Conference play has arrived and Illinois State's postseason future still hangs in the balance. The Redbirds enter the weekend in sixth place with a 7-9 record, but could finish anywhere from fifth to seventh. With all of the possible scenarios, one thing is certain: Illinois State needs a win.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State women's basketball team defeated South Dakota State Thursday at Redbird Arena, according to
The Pantagraph:
The Redbirds improved to 2-1 by besting a team that finished 32-3 last season and is receiving votes in the Associated Press top 25.
Senior Wide receiver Eyad Salem hopes to end his three-year career at ISU with a win Saturday, according to
The Pantagraph:
Salem needs one catch against UNI to break a tie with Rickey Garrett at 177 for second on the ISU career receptions list. That total also ranks sixth in conference history. If Salem hauls in four passes, he vaults past Laurent Robinson's 2005 Redbird standard of 86 in a season.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Robin Pingeton and Tim Jankovich Shows premiere Tuesday night at the Pub II in Normal. The Robin Pingeton Show starts at 6:10 p.m., followed by the Tim Jankovich Show at 7 p.m.
Illinois State swimming and diving head coach Steve Paska announced that Erica Halley has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and swimming career as a Redbird beginning in the 2010-11 season.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Redbird swimming team has added a new face to the 2010-11 roster, according to
The Pantagraph:
Halley took fifth place in the 50-yard freestyle at last year's Wisconsin State Meet in a personal best 24.13 seconds and swam a best 53.62 seconds as the leadoff leg on the 400 freestyle relay.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tis the season of giving, and what's a better gift than the opportunity to see Illinois State men's and women's basketball live and in person on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. And to help in the financial burden, the Illinois State Athletics Department has unveiled its special ticket pricing for the holiday season.
There is a lot riding on Saturday's showdown between Illinois State and Northern Iowa at Hancock Stadium. With a win, the Redbirds will secure their first winning season since 2006 and their first win over a ranked opponent since 2007. A win for the Panthers would give them eight wins on the season, all but guaranteeing them spot in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs for the third-straight season.
Illinois State junior outside hitter Mallory Leggett was named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
Joliet West catcher Mike Hollenbeck signed with the Illinois State baseball team, according to the
The Herald-News:
Quite a catch, beginning with Hollenbeck, a powerful left-handed hitter with a gun for an arm who has been with the Steelmen varsity since part-way through his freshman year.
Junior Mallory Leggett was named the MVC Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Redbirds to a win over Indiana State, according to
The Pantagraph:
She is the first Redbird to earn the MVC Player of the Week award this year. Leggett had team highs of 18 kills and 20 digs, recording her 19th double-digit kill match and 13 double-double of the season.
Newcomers Tony Lewis and Austin Hill had a strong showing in the men's basketball debut at SIU-E, according to
The Pantagraph:
With only three players -- Osiris Eldridge, Dinma Odiakosa and Lloyd Phillips -- returning with much experience, the Redbirds need Lewis and Hill to contribute immediately. They aren't afforded on-the-job training like the five ISU freshmen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Illinois State used balance scoring and strong shooting in the second half to down Truman State, 74-48, in exhibition play on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Tuesday night.
This is the only public exhibition for Illinois State before opening the season Sunday at SIU-Edwardsville. Quincy lost to Notre Dame (75-54) and Illinois (84-63), prior to its third exhibition game of the season against the Redbirds. The Hawks begin their regular-season schedule Sunday as well, when they host Upper Iowa.
The Illinois State women's soccer team will face the bracket No. 3 seed Florida (15-5-2) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament as announced Monday by the NCAA on ESPNews. Friday's game is set to take place in Columbus, Ohio.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The Illinois State men's basketball team will play in its only exhibition game tonight against Quincy, according to
The Pantagraph:
ISU entertains Division II Quincy at 7:05 p.m., with Jankovich eager to see how his slew of newcomers performs in a game-like setting.
The Illinois State football team holds a 5-4 overall record when they were picked to finish in eighth place in the preseason poll, according to
The Pantagraph:
Yet the small steps of improvement Spack and his staff preached have given way to purposeful leaps. ISU prepares for Saturday's noon Valley game at Youngstown State with a 5-4 overall record and a 4-2 league mark that matches Northern Iowa for third.
The Illinois State women's basketball team defeated Truman State Wednesday night, 74-48, according to
The Pantagraph:
As Illinois State cruised to a 74-48 exhibition victory over Truman State on Tuesday, Coach Robin Pingeton saw enough cruise in the Redbirds' approach to leave her a bit queasy.
Monday, November 9, 2009
For the first time in six years, the Illinois State women's soccer team clinched a bid for the NCAA Tournament after winning the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Sunday in a 1-0 shutout of Creighton in Omaha, Neb.
Senior placekicker Zach Kutch set a new school and Missouri Valley Football Conference record with his career performance in Illinois State 25-7 home win over Western Illinois Saturday. For his effort, Kutch was named the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week by the league office Sunday.
Illinois State kicker Zach Kutch set a new career, school, and Missouri Valley Football Conference record by kicking six field goals in the Redbird's 25-7 win over Western Illinois on Saturday. Cliffton Gordon scored the `Birds only touchdown of the day on his way to rushing for 124 yards.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
After defeating Creighton at the MVC tournament, the ISU soccer team will advance to the NCAA, according to
The Pantagraph:
Sophomore Jessica Carlson's goal six minutes into the second half was all the top-seeded Illinois State women's soccer team needed Sunday as the Redbirds knocked off No. 3 seed Creighton, 1-0, in front of 503 at Morrison Stadium.
Senior Zach Kutch set an ISU and MVC record with six fieldgoals against Western Illinois, Saturday, according to
The Pantagraph:
Kutch booted field goals of 32 and 48 yards in the second quarter. In rapid fashion, the senior from Milton, Fla., connected on third-quarter attempts of 40, 45, 39 and 19 yards.
The 1999 ISU football team was honored during halftime of Illinois State's game against Western Illinois. The 1999 team holds the school record for most wins, according to
The Pantagraph:
The 1999 squad certainly did that. In the final year of Coach Todd Berry's tenure, ISU went 6-0 to win the Gateway Conference championship and earn a spot in the Division I-AA playoffs.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Illinois State volleyball team will embark on its final road trip of the regular season this weekend. The Redbirds visit No. 25 Northern Iowa Friday and Bradley Saturday. Both matches are set for 7 p.m.
The Illinois State men's basketball conducted an open scrimmage in front of 1,000 fans on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena Wednesday afternoon. The Redbirds went head-to-head over four quarters with the first three being eight minutes in length and the final quarter lasting four minutes. The final result saw the Black team post a 70-53 win over the Red team, as each team changed rosters throughout the workout.
Illinois State senior guard Maggie Krick has been selected as a candidate for the 2009-10 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in women's basketball. Krick is among 30 finalists who all represent different schools from 14 Division I conferences.
Illinois State senior Scott Krapf, juniors Sarah Glowacki and Kirsten Lang, along with sophomore Aisha Praught were named to the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Scholar-Athlete teams as announced by the conference office Tuesday.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
ISU's newcomers seem to be settling in to the ISU men's basketball routine. The Redbird held a scrimmage Wednesday that was open to the public, according to
The Pantagraph:
Jankovich mixed up the Red and Black squads throughout three eight-minute quarters and a final four-minute period. The three seniors led the way in scoring with Lloyd Phillips getting 16 points, followed by Dinma Odiakosa (15) and Osiris Eldridge (14).
Senior Maggie Krick was selected as a candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, according to
The Pantagraph:
A national media committee will select 10 men's and women's finalists in late January. Those names will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning Feb. 3 and ending March 17. The winners will be announced in early April.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Winners of two straight games, Illinois State returns home for an in-state showdown with Western Illinois Saturday at Hancock Stadium. The Redbirds are coming off an impressive 24-14 road win at Missouri State last Saturday, where they held the Bears to just 31 yards rushing. The Leathernecks have lost their last seven games, including a 14-7 loss Saturday against North Dakota State at home.
After more than two weeks of practice, the Illinois State women's basketball team is ready to open the 2009-10 season against real competition. The Redbirds host Division II Kentuckey Wesleyan in an exhibition game Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.
As if an 18-home game schedule wasn't enough, fans of the Illinois State basketball program will have another opportunity to see the 2009-10 Redbirds in person Wednesday night. Head coach Tim Jankovich and his staff will conduct an intrasquad scrimmage on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena beginning at 5:30 p.m.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
The ISU women's basketball team will play an exhibition game against Kentucky Wesleyan tonight at 7:05 p.m., according to
The Pantagraph:
The Illinois State women's basketball team channels the abundant energy of preseason practices toward an opponent for the first time this season today.
Sophomore Nick Bledsoe was named the offensive lineman of the week by the Missouri Valley Conference, according to
The Pantagraph:
He was credited with a pancake block and two knockdowns against and helped running back Cliffton Gordon compile a career-high 122 yards rushing.
Former Redbird Kevin Glenn will face his Winnipeg, which is his old team, this weekend in a pivotal game in the CFL, according to
TheSpec:
The Glenn storyline is particularly enticing because, while a win secures the Ticats the right to host the East Division semifinal Nov. 15, a loss by the Bombers will end their season. The Cats make the post-season regardless, providing Friday's Edmonton-B.C. contest doesn't end in a tie.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Illinois State receiver Brandon Venson caught just one pass during Saturday's contest at Missouri State and he wasn't even the intended receiver. The catch however, was the difference in the game as Venson hauled in a 38-yard tipped hail mary pass from Matt Brown as time expired in the first half to propel the Redbirds to a, 24-14, win over the Bears at Plaster Field.
Scott Krapf won the men's 8K race at the 2009 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championships Saturday, which was held at the Newman Golf Course in Peoria, Ill. Krapf is the first Redbird to capture the individual championship since Christian Goy in 2002.
It was an intense three sets as the Redbirds (10-14, 5-8 MVC) fell to Southern Illinois (17-7, 6-7 MVC) for the first time in 13-straight matches. Junior Mallory Leggett had another historical night by surpassing 1,000 career digs. The `Birds fell to the Salukis in three-consecutive sets (25-23, 25-22, 25-17) Saturday night.
ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS HEADLINES
With a Hail Mary pass from Matt Brown to Brandon Venson, the Illinois State football team defeated Missouri State, 24-14, according to
The Pantagraph:
The ISU defense blanked the Bears in the second half for a 24-14 victory before a homecoming crowd of 12,115.
Illinois State senior cross country runner Scott Krapf won the MVC individual championship Saturday at the Newman Golf Course, according to
The Pantagraph:
Scott Krapf won the men's 8K race at the Missouri Valley Conference cross country championships Saturday at Newman Golf Course, becoming the first Redbird to capture the individual title since Christian Goy in 2002.
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