Game summary

Illinois women’s basketball won their season opener 83-74. Illinois’ defense was essential to the game early on, holding No. 19 Florida State to just 10 points in the first quarter. Illinois led by as much as 17 in the first half, dominating in defense and offense. 

“I just could not be more proud of that, to hold them to 10 points and beat them 20 to 10 in the first,” said head coach Shauna Green. “I thought that set the tone for the entire game.” 

Florida State turned things around in the second half, cutting the lead down to five at one point. Illinois held on, leaning on senior guard Adalia McKenzie. McKenzie had 12 points in the second half to lead the team. She was aggressive in driving to the hoop; Green wants to see more of this action from McKenzie.

Full-court effort 

Despite the strong second-half push from the Seminoles, they did not lead for a single second of the game: The Illini took the lead in the first quarter and never gave it back. Strong starts are something that fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic preaches.

“The starters had a meeting earlier this week and just kind of talked about what we needed to do,” Bostic said. “I think it paid off.”

The Illini’s defensive effort in the first quarter helped them in the fourth. After the first quarter, the Seminoles scored 24 and 23 in the second and third quarters, respectively. In the fourth, Illinois made big plays and held the opponent to 17 points. 

Strength in numbers

Florida State found itself in foul trouble all game: in every quarter, they had at least five personal fouls.  Meanwhile, Illinois made 23 of their 31 free throws. Every single one was important, as they won by nine points.  

Bostic’s strong play carried over from their previous game. She had 18 points and nine rebounds, grabbing her 1,000th board in the process. 

Bostic wasn’t the only one who shined. Fifth-year guard Makira Cook and McKenzie both earned 20 points. Sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan also had double-digit points, earning 11. Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant was quiet tonight: She only made eight points, with all but two of them coming from the free throw line. 

Green had her third opening night win in her third season with the Illini. Illinois had back-to-back seasons over .500 for the first time in almost a decade under Green.

Next up

With this strong win, Illinois will likely be ranked after tonight. They were voted in at 29 in the preseason, but after this victory over the No. 19 ranked team, they will likely move into the top 25. If they are ranked, it will be for the first time since last year’s preseason. 

The next game for Illinois women’s basketball will be at home against Marquette this Sunday at 7 p.m.

[email protected]