Illinois to Play ISU in WNIT on Sunday

It will be the Illini versus the Redbirds in Women's NIT quarterfinal action this Sunday, following wins by both teams in third round play Thursday night.

Illinois defeated the Missouri State Lady Bears 65 to 53, with 17 points apiece from Lacey Simpson and Karisma Penn. Illinois' defense held Missouri State to 31 percent shooting and a season-low 53 points.

Meanwhile, Illinois State beat Kansas 71 to 51 at Redbird Arena in Normal. Ashleen Bracey led the Redbirds with 15 points and seven rebounds, while four of her teammates also scored. in double figures. The win was a reversal from 2009, when KU eliminated ISU from the WNIT in the semifinals.

Illinois State will host Illinois in the WNIT quarterfinals, Sunday, March 28th at 2:05 PM at Redbird Arena. The two teams last met in a non-conference game last November, when the Illini defeated the Redbirds, 62 to 51.