Illinois (9-2) was electric against Southern Indiana (8-3) on Sunday. Four Illini put up double digits, with freshman forward Berry Wallace leading the charge. Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic had her second double-double of the season and banked 17 points. The entire team contributed and played a well-rounded game on which its head coach had few notes.
The Illini aim to continue that momentum, setting themselves up for success going into conference play after Christmas.
Southern versus Big Ten conference
The Southern Jaguars (2-10) have already faced off against two Big Ten opponents in November. First, it fell to Nebraska (10-1) 84-58. Then, at the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, the Jaguars lost 61-43 against the Washington Huskies (8-4). This history does not seem to bode well for the Jaguars. The Illini have beaten every unranked competitor they have faced this season.
Illinois and Southern have faced off only once in 2014. Illinois triumphed 62-42 in a home game, and the potential for a repeat a decade later seems likely during another Illinois homestand.
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Southern last time out
Southern arrives in Champaign, hoping to prevent another skid. On the road, the Jaguars lost one of their tightest games against the Blue Demons (5-8), falling 76-64.
Despite the huge losses, Southern’s only two wins were complete blowouts. Southern took on its affiliate Southern-New Orleans (3-11) on Dec. 5 and pulled away for an 89-34 victory. Against Jarvis (2-8) on Dec. 17, Southern won 83-47.
Senior guard Aleighyah Fontenot had her season best in scoring against DePaul when she drained 17 points. She was 7-17 from the perimeter and 3-11 from long range. She also added two rebounds and an assist. Averaging only 6.6 PPG prior, this surpassed expectations. She is the team leader in three-pointers, averaging 1.2 a game but attempting 5.7. The Illini will need to keep a close eye on Fontenot with her threat from three.
The second largest contributor from that game was junior guard Taniya Lawson. She put up 13 points, grabbed four rebounds and made two assists. She came off the bench and played 31 minutes of the match. Of the Jaguars that have played in all 11 games, she has the third-highest PPG at 6.7. She is crucial to the Jaguars’ bench and has proven that she can step up and perform.
Illinois bench players to watch
While Illinois’ starters had an excellent game, certain bench players also clutched up and cemented the win.
The first to come to mind is Wallace. In only her third game back from a hand injury, the freshman put up career-best numbers. She had 18 points, four rebounds, a block, two steals and an assist. Wallace was also perfect from the stripe, going 5-5.
Her versatility allowed her to cover for sophomore guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger or senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill on the floor while the starters took a quick breather. As her growth continues through the conference season, she could prove an essential asset to the team.
Sophomore guard Cori Allen snagged three rebounds and scored a basket in her snatch of court time. Her past performances have lacked, and with a long list of team injuries, reliable bench players are a must. However, Allen’s showing against Southern Indiana highlighted her potential, and if she can apply the positives moving forward, her contributions to the team will grow.
Freshman center Hayven Smith subbed in for Bostic and had two solid minutes. She was 1-2 at the stripe and grabbed a rebound. Those few minutes might not have pushed the team forward scoring-wise, but it allowed one of the Illini’s top players a water break.
Where to watch
Illinois hopes to end on a high note before entering a contentious conference play. It takes on Southern at 2 p.m. on Friday at State Farm Center. The game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
