Next Game:
at Bradley
2/22/2026 | 2 PM
Feb. 22 (Sun) / 2 PM
at Bradley
NORMAL, Ill. – Despite a 12-point first-half lead and an eight-point advantage at halftime, the Belmont University women’s basketball team was defeated 83-78 in overtime Friday night at Illinois State. The host Redbirds (16-10, 10-5 MVC) outscored the Bruins (16-10, 12-3 MVC) 43-35 in the second half behind 61 percent (14-of-23) shooting, before holding Belmont to 3-for-9 from the field in overtime.
The Bruins had possession with the score knotted at 68 with 16.5 seconds remaining in regulation, but a three-pointer by junior guard Jailyn Banks went wide right.
With under 20 seconds to go in overtime and Belmont trailing 79-76, threes from Banks and sophomore guard Sanaa Tripp were just off before Illinois State’s Addison Martin secured a defensive board. Fellow sophomore guard Quinn Eubank scored on a wide-open layup as head coach Bart Brooks drew up a beautiful inbounds play, however, it only got the Bruins within three at 81-78 with just two seconds remaining.
The Redbirds were able to successfully inbound the ball on their ensuing possession and reserve guard Grace Nelson sunk both free throws to seal the game.
Illinois State went 8-for-10 at the free-throw line in the extra period and was 3-for-3 from the floor, including 1-for-1 from outside.
Banks scored a career-high tying 26 points and made a career-high six three-pointers.
Belmont’s all-time steals leader, graduate guard Tuti Jones, snatched a career-best eight steals as the Bruins came up with 13 takeaways. It marks the 11th time this season Belmont has recorded at least 12 steals.
More to follow…
Up Next
The Bruins make the short trip to Bradley for a Sunday afternoon showdown. Tipoff from Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria, Illinois, is scheduled for 2 p.m. The MVC road affair will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Tickets
Single-game tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale and can be purchased by visiting BelmontBruins.com/Tickets or calling 615-460-BALL.
Credit Union 1 MVC Tournament
The 2026 Credit Union 1 MVC Tournament will be held Thursday-Sunday, March 12-15 in Coralville, Iowa, at Xtream Arena. All-session tournament passes are on sale now and can be purchased here. Rooms are also available for booking at the official Belmont fan hotel – Drury Inn & Suites.
How to Follow
Follow Belmont women’s basketball on social media – @BelmontWBB on X, formerly Twitter, @belmontwbb on Instagram and Belmont Women’s Basketball on Facebook – for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont’s athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
#ItsBruinTime