NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — In a tense Missouri Valley Conference defensive struggle that came down to the final possession, the Illinois State women’s basketball team edged Northern Iowa 59-55 on Thursday night at Redbird Arena.

The game, witnessed by 1,739 fans, was a rematch of a Dec. 3 meeting won decisively by Northern Iowa. This time, Illinois State flipped the script, holding off a late Panthers rally to improve to 11-9 overall. Northern Iowa fell to an even 10-10.

The contest was characterized by physical defense and offensive struggles, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. The first half was a low-scoring affair, ending with Illinois State clinging to a 20-19 advantage. The third quarter saw both offenses find a slightly better rhythm, with the Panthers outscoring the Redbirds 22-21 to enter the final period tied at 41.

The fourth quarter became a showcase for Illinois State’s Trista Fayta and Northern Iowa’s Jenna Twedt. Fayta, a guard from Green Bay, Wisconsin, orchestrated the Redbird offense down the stretch, finishing with 11 points and a game-high six assists. Her backcourt mate, Kya Hurt of Indianapolis, led all scorers with 16 points, including a critical three-pointer early in the fourth that gave Illinois State a cushion.

Northern Iowa relied heavily on the scoring of Jenna Twedt. The guard from Atkins, Iowa, poured in 19 points, with 13 coming in the second half. Her personal 7-0 run, capped by a three-pointer with 2:02 remaining, brought the Panthers within two points at 53-51 and set up a frantic finish.

The most pivotal sequence of the game occurred in the final 30 seconds. With Illinois State leading 57-55 after two Addison Martin free throws, Northern Iowa had a chance to tie or take the lead. The Panthers worked the ball to Twedt, but her potential game-tying three-point attempt was off the mark with four seconds left. Illinois State’s Jaeden Pratt secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and sank two free throws with one second remaining to seal the victory.

Beyond the leading scorers, Illinois State received crucial contributions from Doneelah Washington, who added 11 points and several key defensive plays, and Pratt, who scored six points and recorded four blocks. For Northern Iowa, Ryley Goebel of Urbana, Iowa, provided nine points and relentless work on the glass, while Kaylynn Janes of St. Louis added eight points.

The game was a defensive battle, with both teams forcing turnovers and challenging every shot. Illinois State’s ability to convert free throws late and get a critical stop on Northern Iowa’s final possession proved to be the difference.

Illinois State will look to build on the win when it hosts Bradley on Sunday. Northern Iowa aims to rebound on the road at Drake, also on Sunday.