NORMAL — Everyone in Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball is well acquainted with the 3-point shooting prowess of Illinois State sophomore Mary Crompton.
That means Crompton, the MVC’s leader in 3-point shooting, occasionally is forced to improvise when opponents defend her too fiercely at the arc.
Crompton’s ability to turn a drive into a three-point play — along with her sweet stroke from long range — both were crucial Thursday as the Redbirds edged Valparaiso, 81-75, in overtime at Redbird Arena.
“That’s just Mary’s development. No one has a better work ethic than Mary Crompton,” ISU coach Kristen Gillespie said.