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Watch now: Illinois State women's basketball sets Sunday season opener

NORMAL — On one hand, it’s a coach’s nightmare to play a season opener with only three days of full squad practices to prepare.

Yet on another, Illinois State women’s basketball coach Kristen Gillespie is thrilled to finally have her season opener approaching on Sunday whatever the circumstances.

The Redbirds will face Saint Xavier in a 1 p.m. game at Redbird Arena after being forced to cancel their first three contests because of a positive COVID-19 test among their players.

Spectators will not be allowed to attend.

“Our timing will be off, we’ll be a little rusty and we won’t be in the best condition,” Gillespie said Monday.