The Illini were outclassed by the Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, losing 87-70 in their second-to-last regular season game. The game was never in doubt for the Spartans, who led from the get-go, forcing 18 turnovers.
An inability to keep up with the opponents
It seemed as though each time Michigan State put up a shot, it was going to end up in the basket. The Spartans ended up going 59% from the field in contrast to the Illini’s 46%. Not only were they successful in the paint, but they were such a force from behind the arc, sinking nine three-pointers in total. It didn’t help that it was the Spartans’ senior night, and all the seniors were eager to get a win for their last run in their home arena.
With one more game to go, the Illini are 13-14 and have Senior Day on the horizon this Sunday at the State Farm Center.
Illinois’ starting five players are indicated with *.
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*Genesis Bryant (F)
The senior guard struggled from the field, shooting 1-8 with just three rebounds and four turnovers in her 35 minutes of playing time. She finished with seven points, four coming from the charity stripe. Bryant did make a three — one of the only three players to make a shot from range for Illinois.
*Makira Cook (C+)
The senior guard from Cincinnati put up 15 points on a rough shooting performance, making just six of her 17 shots and going one for seven from deep. She did dish out a team-high eight assists but also recorded four turnovers en route to a -18 plus/minus. Cook did make both of her free throws in her 36 minutes on the court.
*Adalia McKenzie (B+)
McKenzie put up 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal tonight. She has still made her case to be one of the most consistent players on the team, especially in regard to her internal drive and overall enthusiasm. Even in contested situations, she still fights to save the ball and keep the team motivated despite all odds against them.
*Camille Hobby (F)
Hobby played a mere 14 minutes this evening, only putting up two points and three steals. While she didn’t play as much time as she normally would, her efforts on defense were lacking, as Michigan State got to the rim with ease for easy layups. The team went small for the majority of the game, but with a contender like this, it’s essential for Hobby to lock in on defense and put her all onto the court.
*Kendall Bostic (C+)
The senior forward Bostic led the team in points with 21 on the night, all of which came in the second half. Also posting 10 rebounds, Bostic recorded her 11th double-double of the season. However, Michigan State recorded 50 points in the paint, which was a major contributor to the 87 points it scored. Bostic finished with a -24 in the plus/minus category.
Gretchen Dolan (F)
Dolan ended the game with just two points, one rebound, two assists and one steal in her 24 minutes of playing. While she looked confident taking her shots, she was unable to make most of them fall, going 1-6 from the field. It was a rough game for Dolan for sure, but quite frankly, it was a rough game for everyone, so her efforts did not impact the outcome of the game.
Shay Bollin (N/A)
Bollin played for seven minutes and put up a three-pointer, two rebounds and an assist.
Cori Allen (N/A)
Allen only saw a few minutes tonight and put up one rebound altogether.
Kam’Ren Rhodes (N/A)
Rhodes played six minutes tonight and missed her only shot attempt.
Brynn Shoup-Hill (N/A)
Shoup-Hill only played five minutes at the end of the game, but she did put up six points and two rebounds along the way.
