CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds used a dominant defensive performance and a balanced scoring attack to secure a 59-44 victory over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Joseph Gentile Center.

The Redbirds set the tone early, racing out to a 19-8 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. The Ramblers found a brief spark in the second quarter, outscoring Illinois State 21-13 to cut the deficit to 32-29 at halftime. However, any momentum was short-lived as the Illinois State defense clamped down in the second half, holding Loyola Chicago to just 15 total points over the final two quarters.

Addison Martin led the way for Illinois State with 15 points, while Trista Fayta added 12 points and a game-high six assists. Doneelah Washington also finished in double figures for the Redbirds with 11 points and was a force defensively with multiple rebounds and a block.

The game was defined by offensive struggles, particularly for the home team. Both teams finished with 13 turnovers, but Loyola Chicago’s shooting woes proved insurmountable. The Ramblers shot just 27.4 percent from the floor, making only 17 of their 62 attempts. They were equally cold from beyond the arc, connecting on just 4 of 23 three-point attempts.

Illinois State was more efficient, shooting 37.5 percent from the field. While their three-point shooting was also limited, they found consistent success inside and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 14 of 19 attempts compared to Loyola Chicago’s 6 of 7.

The Redbirds also controlled the glass, with both teams grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, but Illinois State’s defense consistently forced the Ramblers into difficult shots throughout the contest.

For Loyola Chicago, Brooklyn Vaughn and Alexa Kinas each scored 10 points. Alex-Anne Bessette added nine points and two blocks in the losing effort.

With the win, Illinois State improves to 3-1 overall this season. The Redbirds will host Saint Louis on Friday. Loyola Chicago falls to 1-4 and will look to rebound on the road Saturday against Illinois-Chicago. The announced attendance was 566.