Illinois State kept its unbeaten start alive on Saturday afternoon, beating Saint Louis 72-55 at Chaifetz Arena to move to 5-0. Nevaeh Thomas led the way with 19 points as the Redbirds controlled the game well enough to match the best start in the Kristen Gillespie era.
The result was a strong road response from Illinois State, which entered at 4-0 and left with another convincing win over a Saint Louis team that came in at 2-2. In a game recap posted by Illinois State Athletics later that afternoon, the Redbirds were credited with steady control throughout the contest rather than any late scramble to protect the lead.
Thomas provides the scoring edge
Thomas finished with 19 points and was the clear headline performer for Illinois State. In a game where efficient production mattered, her scoring gave the Redbirds a dependable edge and helped them avoid the sort of flat spell that can make a road game uncomfortable.
That matters because early-season games are often defined by which team can settle first. Illinois State did that here, and the margin gradually reflected it as the afternoon wore on.
A start that matches the program's best in the Kristen Gillespie era
The bigger picture is the record. At 5-0, Illinois State has matched the best start in the Kristen Gillespie era, and that gives the Redbirds a clear early marker for the season.
It is still November, and there will be tougher nights ahead, but this is exactly the kind of win that builds belief. Road games ask different questions, and Illinois State answered enough of them to leave ST. LOUIS with momentum and an unbeaten record intact.
The next challenge is whether the Redbirds can carry that form through the rest of the opening run. For now, the scoreboard tells the simple story: Illinois State 72, Saint Louis 55, and a 5-0 start that keeps them moving in the right direction.
