Kodiak Creative

Women’s Hoops Battles Redbirds

Titans officially begin season Saturday, Nov. 11

10/29/2023 3:29:00 PM

NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University women's basketball team renewed its rivalry with Illinois State University Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29, at CEFCU Arena. The game, which was an exhibition for both teams, provided an early look at the Titans and Redbirds ahead of the 2023-24 season. IWU was defeated, 94-56.

Illinois State opened the game with a nine-point run, but IWU found its footing as sophomore Ava Bardic (Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson) drilled a triple for IWU's first bucket of the game. A hustle offensive rebound from Caite Knutson (Maryville, Ill.-Collinsville) led to a bucket by junior Lauren Huber (Lombard, Ill.-Glenbard East) to cap a five-point spurt by the Green and White.

The Rebirds ripped off another run, expanding their lead to 17-5, as the Titans called a timeout midway through the first period. The regrouping session worked wonders as the Titans finished the quarter on a 10-3 run to trim ISU's lead to five, 20-15, into the second. The run was powered by Huber, who hit a jumper and also found junior Mallory Powers (Amboy, Ill.-Amboy) for a pair of buckets down low. Knutson capped the run with a corner three-pointer, as IWU trailed by just five into the second quarter.

Illinois State broke the game open with a 17-0 run as Illinois Wesleyan could not find its stride offensively. The Rebirds carried the lead into halftime and maintained it from there.

Three Titans scored in double-figures, with Huber and Bardic tying for the team lead with 14 points apiece. Powers added 11 points and six boards. Knutson pulled down a team-best nine rebounds, while Powers added six caroms. Huber was the Green and White's assist leader with five helpers, while Knutson, Bardic, and Palmer were credited with two each.

Illinois Wesleyan will have a couple weeks off before officially opening the 2023-24 season Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 11-12, at the Cornell Tournament. IWU lifts the lid against Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa Saturday night, Nov. 11, with a 7 p.m. tipoff.

Print Friendly Version