Key Highlights
- 10 Iowa State, but the Illini took the lead early in the first quarter and never looked back. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Illini played gritty defense throughout and never gave the Hoosiers an inch.
- Indiana was often shooting contested shots late in the shot clock and the Illini (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) even caused two 5-second violations in the first half.“We really have to lock in on defense or else we can’t win games,” said junior Gretchen Dolan. And lock in they did, the Illini held the Hoosiers to only 35.8% from the field — but if you exclude the fourth quarter where the Hoosiers managed to shoot over 56% — the defensive play was even more impressive where they shot only 27% in the first three quarters.“I’m really happy and proud of our defensive effort that we came out with,” said head coach Shauna Green.
- “It’s something we always talk about and setting the tone.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Illini on the other hand could not miss, as they shot well over 50% for almost the entire game and even shot over 60% as a team during the first quarter. Illinois won this game by 21 points, and that’s what makes the game look close.
- Indiana outscored the Illini by 15 in the fourth quarter, but this game was never that close. Illinois was led by Dolan and junior transfer Maddie Webber, who each scored 16 points.
- Webber was able to do this in only 21 minutes and shooting 8-of-11 from the field. Those weren’t the only two Illini in double figures as sophomore Berry Wallace added 14 points and 7 rebounds, and freshman Cearah Parchment had 15 points and 13 rebounds of her own. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSeven different players logged over 10 minutes played and each one of those players logged at least one point, rebound, and assist to go along with excellent overall team defense. The Illini won this game with their back to the basket and pushing the ball inside.
