The Troy Trojans (23-13) will look to punch their ticket into the WNIT Finals tonight against the Illinois State Red Birds (24-12) in the Fab 4 at 6:30 p.m. 

This marks just the second time in school history that Troy has made it to the semifinals of a postseason tournament and the second year in a row the Trojans have made it to the WNIT Fab 4. Last season, Troy lost to Minnesota in the semifinals. This is also the first time Troy and Illinois State have ever played. 

Troy’s path to the Fab 4 has been a wild one. After cruising past Chattanooga in the first round, the Trojans bested North Texas in overtime in the second round and also topped North Dakota State in the Great 8 in a second straight overtime matchup. Meanwhile, Illinois State earned double digit wins over Western Illinois and Abilene Christian in the first two rounds before topping Louisiana Tech 78-70 in the Great 8. 

Troy and Illinois State have no common opponents coming into the Fab 4. Both come into the contest averaging more than 75 points per game, while Illinois State has held opponents to 68.1 points per game and Trojan opponents are averaging 72.5 points per game. Illinois State is shooting 48 percent from the field this season, while Troy is shooting 42 percent. Troy’s defense, though, holds its opponents to 37 percent shooting and Illinois State opponents are shooting at 41 percent from the field.

Troy continues to lead the country in rebounding with 49.6 rebounds per game, while the Red Birds are ranked 179th in the country with 36.3 rebounds per game. Illinois State also gives up 13.2 turnovers per game but forces 13.6 turnovers per game. Troy, though, turns the ball over 17.2 times per game and forces 14.8 turnovers per game.

All-Sun Belt forward Zay Dyer leads Troy into the Fab 4, averaging 13.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and one block per game. Her 372 rebounds are a Troy Division I single season record. For Illinois Sate, Shannon Dowell is averaging 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. 

Troy and Illinois State will tipoff at 6:30 p.m. in the Fab 4 in a game that will stream on ESPN+.