Winners of three of the last four games, the Illinois State women’s basketball team (11-6 overall, 4-3 conference) is hosting a two-game homestand this week as the Redbirds take on the University of Northern Iowa on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., followed by a visit from the Drake Bulldogs on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Thursday’s game against the Panthers is a “Blackout” game, with all fans receiving rollabanas. In addition, the first 200 students arriving at CEFCU Arena will receive a black long-sleeved shirt. Fans are encouraged to wear black to support the Redbirds.
Drake, the opponent for Saturday’s “Pack the Arena” game, leads the Missouri Valley Conference. Admission is free on Saturday, and all fans will receive a Redbird koozie. Illinois State students will be treated to free pizza, courtesy of Marco’s Pizza, while supplies last.
Maya Wong ’22, a redshirt senior, has played in a few of these games and said they’re special because they’re designed to get the community involved, and fans respond by showing up to root the team on. She said this season’s version of the Redbirds is a young group that is close and plays hard.
“We are a very together team,” she said. “We haven’t gotten all the wins, but we bounce back well. Resiliency has been big for us.”
A lot of young players have seen key minutes this year, and Wong appreciates their efforts.
“I’ve really enjoyed the freshmen and getting to play with them,” she said. “I admire the work they’ve put in, and I know it’s not easy to be new. We’ve asked a lot of them.”
Wong has seen her role shift this year. The Normal Community High School alum has taken on more leadership duties.
“We have a lot of new faces this year, so it’s been more of a leadership role for me,” Wong said. “It’s not always easy, but I enjoy getting put in new spaces, expanding my comfort zone, and being the best leader I can be for our young players.”
“It’s always just a great atmosphere to have fans in the seats. I really appreciate all the people at ISU who make that happen.”
Maya Wong
Wong, 22, finished high school in three years before coming to her hometown university to play basketball. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2022 and is in her first year of a master’s program in sports psychology. She has a year of eligibility remaining for basketball. She hopes to work as a psychologist someday.
In addition, to her new role as one of the team’s leaders, Wong has also made some adjustments to her game on the court. A 5-8 point guard who has always focused on setting up her teammates, she’s become more of a scorer this year. She’s averaging 12.7 points per game, second on the team to DeAnna Wilson.
“I’ve always played the point, even in high school, and I like to get everybody involved,” Wong said. “I like passing and setting up the offense and have never been too much about scoring. I love making the right read or the right pass.
“But especially this year, it’s been more of a scoring year. We’ve had to find ways to put the ball in the hoop. I usually have more of a driving style, but a lot of my points have come from the 3 and a lot of floaters too.”
Wong has high praise for her coaches and their ability to have the team prepared for each opponent.
“They’re very hard working, and their scouts are very detailed,” she said. “There’s never a play we don’t know how to guard. It’s just a matter of everyone buying in.”
Wong is also a big fan of leading scorer Wilson (15.1 ppg) whose been her teammate for three years.
“I really enjoy playing with DeAnna,” Wong said. “We have good connection, and I feel like I know where she’s going to be. We play really well off of each other.”
Wong’s No. 1 fan is her dad, Geoff, who doesn’t care where the games are, he’s going to be in the stands, she said.
“Even if it’s not a home game, he’s there,” she said. “My dad will drive 11 hours to Belmont to watch me play. He spends that gas money.”
Wong is looking forward to this week’s games, especially having grown up here and knowing she’ll see some familiar faces there to support the team.
“It’s always just a great atmosphere to have fans in the seats,” she said. “I really appreciate all the people at ISU who make that happen.”
