Illinois State Women’s Basketball vs. Bradley: MVC Tournament Seeding on the Line

PEORIA, Illinois – The Illinois State Redbirds (18-12, 12-7 MVC) and the Bradley Braves (20-10, 13-6 MVC) will clash on Sunday at Renaissance Coliseum, with the winner securing the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Credit Union 1 MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. This marks the 90th meeting between these I-74 rivals, with Illinois State holding a 59-30 advantage in the all-time series.

Despite the historical series lead for Illinois State, Bradley has been a formidable opponent at home this season, boasting a 13-1 record at Renaissance Coliseum. The Braves are coming off an 82-61 victory over Evansville on Thursday night, while the Redbirds have won eight of their last 11 games and are looking to close out the regular season on a high note.

The Redbirds’ recent success has been fueled by a balanced attack, with multiple players stepping up in key moments. Doneelah Washington has emerged as a dominant force, averaging 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and recently set a career-high with 31 points against Belmont. Her ability to score in the post and protect the rim – evidenced by her 52 blocks this season – makes her a challenging matchup for any opponent. Trista Fayta has also been instrumental in Illinois State’s offensive flow, leading the MVC in assists and nearly recording a triple-double against Drake with 23 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.

Bradley, meanwhile, relies on a strong defensive presence, ranking first in the MVC in points allowed per game (63.8). They also excel in limiting opponents’ shooting percentages, holding teams to a league-low 26.6% from three-point range. Tamia Perryman and Maya Foz led the Braves in their recent win over Evansville, each scoring 16 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Illinois State’s head coach, Kristen Gillespie, has led the Redbirds to three consecutive 20-win seasons, a feat not accomplished since 2008-09 to 2010-11. Gillespie’s success is built on a foundation of balanced scoring and a commitment to defensive intensity. The Redbirds have demonstrated this balance throughout the season, with 4+ players scoring in double figures in 11 of their 30 games.

A key storyline to watch is the performance of Illinois State’s post players, Washington and Addison Martin. Their combined scoring and rebounding prowess was on full display in their overtime win against Belmont, where they combined for 55 points. Martin, who scored a season-high 24 points in that game, has been a consistent scoring threat throughout the season, shooting over 50% from the field in MVC play last year.

The Redbirds have also found success through the contributions of their bench. Redshirt freshman Grace Nelson provided a spark off the bench in a recent road win at Evansville, hitting five three-pointers and finishing with a career-high 23 points. This depth will be crucial as Illinois State navigates the challenges of the conference tournament.

Beyond the on-court performance, Illinois State has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. Their annual Play4Kay game raised over $36,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, continuing a tradition of support for cancer research and awareness. The program has been recognized as a Play4Kay National Award Winner for the fourth consecutive year.

Looking ahead, the winner of Sunday’s matchup will not only secure the No. 3 seed in the MVC Tournament but will also gain valuable momentum heading into the postseason. The tournament bracket is set, and both Illinois State and Bradley will be looking to make a deep run and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Redbirds, having won 10 of the last 11 games in the series, will be confident in their ability to secure a victory on Bradley’s home court, but the Braves’ strong home record and defensive prowess will present a significant challenge.

The game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two talented teams vying for tournament positioning and bragging rights in the I-74 rivalry. With both teams boasting strong offensive and defensive capabilities, the outcome will likely be determined by which team can execute their game plan and capitalize on opportunities.