CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds look to continue their strong start to the season when they visit the struggling Loyola Chicago Ramblers in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball matchup on Tuesday.

Illinois State (2-1) enters the contest at Joseph Gentile Center with momentum after a dominant 101-52 victory over Chicago State last Wednesday. Nevaeh Thomas led the way with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Trista Fayta and Doneelah Washington provided significant contributions on both ends of the floor. The Redbirds’ only loss came on the road against a tough Illinois squad.

Conversely, Loyola Chicago (1-3) seeks to rebound from a difficult 70-67 home loss to Maryland-Eastern Shore on Sunday. Despite a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double from Brooklyn Vaughn, the Ramblers fell to 1-3. Their schedule has been challenging, including a lopsided loss to Connecticut.

The game marks an early conference test for both teams. Illinois State’s high-powered offense, which is averaging 84.3 points per game, will be pitted against a Ramblers defense looking to find its footing. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Tuesday at Loyola’s Gentile Center.