NORMAL, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Murray State squad riding a nine-game winning streak will face an Illinois State team looking to protect its home court when the women’s basketball teams meet Sunday at Redbird Arena. The Racers (23-3), one of the nation’s hottest teams, are led by dynamic guard Halli Poock, who is averaging 27 points over her last six contests. She scored 33 points in Murray State’s narrow 79-77 home win over Illinois-Chicago last Sunday. Poock also poured in 33 points in the teams’ only previous meeting this season, a 101-93 double-overtime victory for the Racers over the Redbirds on Jan. 2. Illinois State (14-10) has won four of its last five, including an 88-75 road win at Evansville on Feb. 15. In that game, forward Addison Martin posted 21 points and eight rebounds. Martin will be a key figure for the Redbirds as they seek to avenge the earlier overtime loss and hand Murray State its first defeat since Jan. 23. The Racers’ high-powered offense, which has scored 89 or more points in four of its last six games, will test an Illinois State defense that has been inconsistent. The Redbirds have shown resilience at home, however, with recent wins over Drake and Northern Iowa in Normal. Murray State’s recent run has been marked by clutch performances, including a one-point road win at Drake last month. Illinois State has proven capable in tight games, winning an overtime battle against Bradley on Feb. 1. Sunday’s contest is a critical late-season matchup for both teams as they position themselves for the upcoming conference tournament. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon.