Illinois women’s basketball heads back on the road, opens conference play against Michigan State
Center Geovana Lopes performs a layup during the game against Florida State on Dec. 2. The Illini will be playing against Michigan on Thursday.
December 9, 2021
After a quick home stand for the Illini, they are back on the road in East Lansing to face off against the Michigan State Spartans. Illinois will enter Thursday’s Big Ten opener with a 4-4 record and much to prove against a strong Spartans team.
Michigan State boasts a 6-4 record after its 88-61 loss on the road at No. 9 Iowa. The Spartans have also been solid at home to begin the season, as their 5-1 home record displays their dominance at the Breslin Center.
A player that will undoubtedly cause the Illini issues is senior guard Nia Clouden, who has been one of the best players in the country so far this season. Clouden was a 2021 First-Team All-Big Ten selection, averaging 19.4 points per game. Not only can the Maryland native score the ball, but she has displayed her elite passing ability with 5.2 assists per game this year.
Illinois head coach Nancy Fahey is excited for the opportunity to kick off Big Ten play against this Michigan State team, but she is still cognizant of the work that must be put in to beat this Spartan squad.
“We’re back to being healthy,” Fahey said. “We’re excited to get back on the road for this Big Ten play. We’ve developed at the point where our defense is pretty solid, but the offense is still growing. We’re excited to get up there and get to work.”
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Illinois won its last matchup at the State Farm Center versus Eastern Kentucky University last Sunday. Aaliyah Nye led Illini scorers with 16 points, and Kendall Bostic had an outstanding 22-rebound performance.
Speaking of Bostic, she spent her freshman year as a member of the Michigan State Spartans. Bostic played 22 games in her lone season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. The sophomore transfer has seen an increased role with this Illini team, but she’s treating this visit to her old stomping grounds like any other game for the team.
“We’re just going to go to work here, prepare and do everything we can to win,” Bostic said. “I’m just focused on this team right here and what we’re going to do.”
Last season, Illinois only played Michigan State once, as the Spartans won 81-60 in East Lansing. Jada Peebles led the Illini with 17 points.
The Illini and Spartans will tip off at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
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