ST. LOUIS – The Billikens fell to Illinois State 72-55 on Saturday afternoon inside Chaifetz Arena despite recording a combined 21 steals and blocks.
Q1 | SLU 12, ISU 23
Saint Louis opened the game with a defensive stop and a three-pointer from D'Myjah Bolds. The Billikens scored on their first three possessions to take an early 8-5 lead. Illinois State responded with an 11-0 run to take a 16-8 advantage midway through the quarter. Tyonna Bailey scored four straight points to cut the deficit to 16-12 before the Redbirds closed the quarter on a 7-0 run.
Q2 | SLU 22, ISU 33
The Billikens cut into the double-digit deficit with a 6-0 run, closing the gap to 28-20. Saint Louis held Illinois State without a field goal for more than five minutes and forced eight Redbird turnovers in the quarter. Both teams were held to just 10 points in the second as Illinois State maintained an 11-point lead heading into halftime.
Q3 | SLU 38, ISU 47
Jahda Denis opened the second half with four straight points to cut the deficit to 33-26. The Billikens held Illinois State without a field goal until the 5:23 mark and used a 7-0 run later in the quarter to pull within five at 39-34. The Redbirds responded with five straight points before extending their lead to 47-38 heading into the final quarter.
Q4 | SLU 55, ISU 72
Illinois State used a 16-4 run to open the fourth quarter, extending its lead to 63-42 midway through the period. The Redbirds continued to build on their advantage before Saint Louis responded with an 11-0 run in under a minute to cut the deficit to 70-55. The Billikens forced three consecutive turnovers during the stretch, including back-to-back steals, but were unable to overcome the deficit.
NOTABLES
· Tyonna Bailey led the Billikens with 18 points, shooting 6-for-15 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
· D'Myjah Bolds nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds. She also added four blocks and three steals.
· Jahda Denis dished out a career-high seven assists while adding eight points and two steals.
· Jameela James recorded three blocks and three steals in 23 minutes of action.
· The Billikens combined for 21 steals and blocks, recording 12 steals and nine blocks.
· Saint Louis forced 22 Illinois State turnovers, including eight in the second quarter.
· The Billikens recorded 14 assists on 20 made field goals.
UP NEXT
The Billikens continue their homestand when they welcome in Missouri State on Wednesday, No. 18 at 7 p.m.
