EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a blistering offensive start from Evansville and a commanding defensive response from Illinois State, the visiting Redbirds methodically erased an early double-digit deficit to secure an 88-75 victory in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Ford Center.

The contest pivoted decisively in the second and third quarters after the host Purple Aces, fueled by a torrid shooting performance, raced to a 26-18 lead after the first period. Evansville connected on 11 of its first 16 field goal attempts, with guard Camryn Runner of Cicero, Indiana, and forward Georgia Cox of Ballarat, Australia, combining for 15 early points. The Redbirds, meanwhile, struggled to find a consistent rhythm against Evansville’s initial energy.

The game’s most important shift began in the second quarter and solidified after halftime, as Illinois State’s defense stiffened and its offensive efficiency soared. The Redbirds outscored Evansville 22-17 in the second period to trim the deficit to 43-40 at intermission, then delivered a crushing 19-13 third quarter to seize control. During that pivotal 20-minute stretch from the start of the second to the end of the third, Illinois State forced 10 Evansville turnovers, converting them into easy scoring opportunities while holding the Purple Aces to just 30 points on 36 percent shooting.

Illinois State’s offensive balance and precision proved overwhelming. The Redbirds shot 55.4 percent from the field for the game and posted an offensive rating of 120.7 points per 100 possessions. They dominated inside with 42 points in the paint and capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, making 17 of 23 attempts.

Addison Martin, a 6-foot sophomore from Shreveport, Louisiana, led the Redbirds with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists, spearheading the comeback. Grace Nelson, a 5-10 guard from Altamont, Illinois, provided a massive spark off the bench with a game-high 23 points in just 26 minutes, including five three-pointers. Doneelah Washington, a 6-foot forward from Lincoln, Nebraska, added 18 points and nine rebounds, while point guard Trista Fayta of Green Bay, Wisconsin, orchestrated the offense with 12 assists.

Evansville was led by a stellar individual effort from Camryn Runner, who finished with 26 points and eight assists. Georgia Cox contributed 15 points and two blocks, and Breaunna Ward of Hazelwood, Missouri, added 12 points. However, the Purple Aces could not sustain their early hot shooting, finishing at 52.7 percent from the field, and were hampered by 15 turnovers that led to 22 Illinois State points.

The victory improved Illinois State to 14-10 overall and marked its second win over Evansville this season, following an 82-71 home win on Jan. 11. The Redbirds have now won four of their last five conference games. Evansville fell to 6-20, having lost eight of its last nine.

The announced attendance was 398 at Ford Center. Illinois State will next host Belmont on Friday. Evansville is scheduled to face Northern Iowa at home on Saturday.