NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive firepower and defensive dominance, the Illinois State Redbirds overwhelmed the Chicago State Cougars 101-52 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Wednesday afternoon at a lively Redbird Arena.

A crowd of 7,629 witnessed the Redbirds improve to 2-1 on the young season, while the Cougars fell to 1-3.

The outcome was never in doubt, as Illinois State erupted for 31 points in the opening quarter, establishing a 20-point lead that would only grow. The Redbirds shot a blistering 50 percent from the field for the game, connecting on 34 of 68 attempts, while also capitalizing at the free-throw line by making 24 of 31.

Chicago State, conversely, struggled with its shooting touch all evening. The Cougars made just 19 of 67 field goal attempts, a frigid 28.4 percent, and were particularly plagued from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 33 three-point attempts. Free throws also proved problematic, as they converted just 11 of 23 from the line.

The statistical disparity was stark. Illinois State posted an offensive rating of 120.6, scoring 101 points on 84 possessions, while Chicago State managed an offensive rating of just 62.0. The Redbirds also controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Cougars and recording seven blocked shots to Chicago State’s three.

The Redbirds’ victory was a balanced team effort, with eight different players scoring at least six points. Nevaeh Thomas, a 5-foot-11 forward from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was a force in just 16 minutes of play, leading the team with 15 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. She also added four assists and a block.

Kya Hurt of Indianapolis provided a spark with 13 points and a team-high five assists. Jaeden Pratt from Polk City, Iowa, contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while San Antonio native Zanyra Adams chipped in 11 points and four rebounds off the bench. The frontcourt presence of Doneelah Washington of Lincoln, Nebraska, was felt defensively as she swatted four shots and grabbed nine rebounds.

For Chicago State, Aiyanna Culver from Queens, New York, led all scorers with 15 points. Detroit native Kayla Mount was a bright spot for the Cougars, pulling down seven rebounds and scoring eight points.

The game’s trajectory was set from the opening tip. After a slow start for both teams, Illinois State’s Bella Finnegan broke the ice with a three-pointer, sparking a first-quarter onslaught. The Redbirds used a 15-2 run midway through the period to build an insurmountable lead, with Pratt and Finnegan connecting from deep and Washington finishing inside.

Chicago State could not find an answer, as every mini-run was quickly stifled by the Redbirds’ swarming defense and efficient transition offense. Illinois State led 55-22 at halftime and continued to extend its advantage through the second half, with the lead peaking at 49 points.

The Redbirds next travel to face Loyola Chicago on Tuesday. The Cougars look to rebound on the road at Western Illinois on Monday.