The UNI women’s basketball team traveled to Normal, Ill. for a conference battle where they fell 65-57 against the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday, Jan. 26.

“We did some good things, and then we had some really bad stretches,” said head coach Tanya Warren.

The Panthers started the game with a 7-2 run and continued their strong play to lead 30-25 at the half. They kept the lead 36-31 with 5:29 remaining in the half when the Redbird offense stepped up and ended the quarter scoring 24 points.

The Purple and Gold were unable to regain the lead and fell by eight points at the end of the game.

“We have defended our tails off, we have defended tremendously, but our offense has really sputtered,” said coach Warren. “Right now we have too many people playing bad at once, and we have to figure out how to get ourselves out of that, and it’s going to start in practice. I’m confident that we will get it taken care of. I’m confident that we will get ourselves back to playing good basketball.”

Bre Gunnels led the Panther offense with 15 points. Karlie Rucker followed with 12 points and also added eight rebounds and five assists.

UNI is now 11-7 overall and 3-4 in the MVC. They sit at 6-0 at home where they will return this week, hoping to continue their streak.

“It’s good to be back home, I’m hoping that getting home we can find a way to get our confidence back and get ourselves back in a rhythm,” said coach Warren.

The Panthers will host the Ramblers of Loyola on Friday, Jan.31 and the Crusaders of Valparaiso on Sunday, Feb.2 in the McLeod.