The women’s basketball team of Southern Illinois University engaged in a gripping overtime match against Illinois State, ultimately falling short with a final score of 75-66. Head coach Kelly Bond-White lauded the team’s performance in the face of defeat, highlighting their resilience and unwavering competitive spirit.
The game remained closely contested throughout regulation, with Illinois State holding a modest eight-point lead. In the first quarter, SIU outscored Illinois State, and both teams had a similar shooting percentage. However, in the second quarter, the Redbirds stifled SIU’s offense, limiting them to just six points.
At halftime, Illinois State led 28-23, setting the stage for an intense second half. Despite the Redbirds extending their lead to eight points in the third quarter, SIU fought back, largely thanks to freshman Maddy Saracco’s impressive three-point shooting.
The fourth quarter showcased an outstanding performance from Paige Clubb, who scored several three-pointers and propelled the Salukis to a late lead. However, Illinois State managed to tie the game in the final moments, sending it into overtime.
During the extra period, Illinois State dominated, outscoring SIU 15-6 and ultimately securing the victory with a final score of 75-66. Despite the loss, the Salukis demonstrated resilience, shooting 37.7% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range, sinking a total of 10 three-pointers.
Jaidynn Mason led the Salukis with 19 points, while Saracco achieved a career-high of 12 points and made four three-pointers. Looking ahead, SIU will be celebrating its seniors on Saturday at the Banterra Center on Senior Day.
For supporters seeking the latest news and updates on the Salukis, they can follow the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Additionally, a mobile app, “Salukis,” is available for download to keep fans informed.
In the upcoming game, the team will compete against Bradley at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Therefore, we encourage everyone to mark their calendars and show their support for the resilient SIU women’s basketball team.