Head coach Shauna Green said she and her team would improve after losing against No. 21 Michigan State (16-3, 6-2). Illinois (14-5, 4-4) did just that, beating Northwestern (7-11, 0-7) 85-60.
The team collectively played well, making shots at an efficient clip. The defense was just as strong, holding the Wildcats to 22 points in the first half. Green is now 5-0 against Northwestern in her Illinois career.
Commanding from tip
From the opening tipoff to the final buzzer, Illinois controlled the game. It had one of its best shooting performances of the season. The Illini shot 49.2% from the floor, their best against a Big Ten opponent this season. More impressive, however, was their three-point shooting.
The Illini made six of their 15 three-point shots. While it wasn’t their best performance of the season, it came after a 0-8 night from behind the arc in the loss against Michigan State. Illinois rebounded quickly after the loss, turning their offense from sluggish to electric.
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Ball movement was a huge factor in the win as well. The Illini had 24 assists against the Wildcats, the second most in a game this season. Moving the ball around resulted in better shots for them. They got more open looks from the mid-range and beyond the arc.
The defense from the Illini was just as good, if not better. The Wildcats shot 27.3% from the floor and didn’t make a three-pointer in the first half. It was a demoralizing start for the home team, missing open and covered shots.
Northwestern didn’t play sloppy offense, either. It finished the game with 11 turnovers, one of the lowest totals of its season. They couldn’t buy a basket for most of the game, and the Illini didn’t make it easy for them. Open shots were hard to come by, and even when they got them, they missed most.
Double double-double
The Illini were led by their most veteran players against the Wildcats. Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant and fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic had incredible games. Both finished the game with double-doubles, Bryant’s first of the season and Bostic’s 12th.
In an elite showing, Bryant dished out 13 assists, a new career-high. She scored 13 points as well, going a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line. Her recent role as the primary ball handler was off to a slow start. However, Bryant improved each game, and it showed against Northwestern. She looked the part of an elite facilitator, something Illinois needs without fifth-year guard Makira Cook.
In her usual dominant fashion, Bostic put on a show against the Wildcats. She finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds despite only playing 23 minutes. She made shots from all over the court, sinking nine of her 15 shots. Her low-minute total is a big plus for Illinois. Getting Bostic as much rest as possible makes it easier for her in the next game.
While it wasn’t a double-double, sophomore guard Cori Allen had a phenomenal game as well. She grabbed 11 rebounds, a new career-high. Getting 11 rebounds as a 5-foot-10 guard is an impressive feat. Her effort on the court has been cited by Green plenty of times, and it showed tonight.
Next up
Illinois will take on Purdue (7-12, 0-8) next. It is 2-18 against Purdue in its last 20 meetings. The Illini have struggled against them, but the Boilermakers are as vulnerable as ever. The game tips off from State Farm Center at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
@ben_some16
