Illinois State University women’s basketball secured a dominant 96-54 victory over Augustana College at CEFCU Arena, powered by a 23-2 run in the first quarter and a stellar double-double from Hannah Chicken.
The win brings the Redbirds to a 3-0 start to the season for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign. The squad established control early, overcoming a brief back-and-forth exchange in the opening minutes to break the game wide open before the first quarter expired.
Redbirds Ignite a First-Quarter Surge
The contest began with a tight scoreline, holding at an 11-10 advantage for Illinois State at the initial media timeout. Hannah Chicken and Madison Austin combined to score 10 of the team’s first 11 points. Following the stoppage, the Redbirds ignited an aggressive 23-2 run over the remaining five minutes of the frame.
Austin sank a jumper, Jaeden Pratt drove to the basket to draw a foul, and both Chicken and Grace Nelson hit shots from beyond the arc. Nevaeh Thomas capped the quarter with a fastbreak layup and a free throw, pushing the home side ahead 31-12. Illinois State shot 62.5% from the field in the opening 10 minutes, marking their highest shooting period of the first half this season.
Chicken Leads Balanced Scoring Effort
Chicken finished the evening with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, earning her second double-double and the third for the team this season. She collected eight of her rebounds during the third period alone, anchoring a rebounding advantage that saw the Redbirds edge the Vikings 58-28 on the boards.
Four different players reached double figures for Illinois State, marking the third straight game the team has achieved the feat. Alongside Chicken’s 20 points, Austin contributed 11 points, while Nelson and Thomas chipped in 10 points each.
Augustana struggled to mount a sustained comeback against the Redbird defense, which kept the visitors scoreless for stretches exceeding two minutes in both the third and fourth quarters. Danyella Mporokoso and Pratt added key baskets and defensive steals to maintain the separation as the lead ballooned past 40 points in the final frame.
Upcoming Matchup Against Green Bay
The Redbirds return to action on Wednesday when they host Green Bay at CEFCU Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Doug Collins Court, with broadcasts available via ESPN+, WJBC 1230 AM, 102.1 FM, 98.9 FM WJEZ, and The Varsity Network.
