Illinois (5-1) bounced back in a big way after its loss to Oregon State. In the three games following, it improved its 3-point shooting and committed fewer fouls. The point guards’ scoring and assisting improved with every game, and this shows in the team’s cleaner ball movement and improved shot creation. Most importantly, the defense has stayed solid and been able to adjust mid-game.
“For us and our program, defense has always been what we rely on,” said head coach Shauna Green. “Defense travels. Defense is consistent. Defense has no off nights. We’re getting better at keeping the ball in front of us, and we’ve been doing better in our gaps. We caused a lot of turnovers.”
The Illini average 18.3 points off turnovers and have a wealth of disruptive players. They have been consistent in generating offense from their defensive plays and aim to continue to do so as they close out their homestand.
First up, Le Moyne
The Illini’s Kids Club game will be against a newer opponent, the Le Moyne Dolphins (1-5). The matchup began last year when Illinois dominated in a 94-25 rout on Field Trip Day.
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This year’s Dolphins seem more competitive, though, as they’ve taken two games to overtime. They average 8.2 threes a game and hold teams to 6.8. A 3-point battle is likely and will be a primary defensive focus for both sides. This will be especially tough on the Dolphins since the Illini’s 3-point attempts and conversions have only climbed with every game played.
One benefit Le Moyne has compared to last year’s game is roster size. In 2024, the Dolphins faced the then-undefeated Illini with only eight players. One returner, sophomore guard Eli Clark, has become a team leader in scoring (11 PPG) and shoots nearly perfectly from the line (93.3% on 14-15 shooting).
However, against Le Moyne’s only Power Four opponent, No. 7 Baylor, Clark was held to single digits. The Bears kept her 0-8 from the perimeter and never fouled her. This forced her to get the ball into a much less efficient teammate’s hands. Illinois can use a similar strategy to reduce the team’s main scoring option. The Illini have shown steady improvement in cleaner defense, so this would be a good test.
Joining Clark is JUCO transfer, junior forward Ashley Buragas. She’s the second most efficient scorer for the Dolphins, averaging 10.5 points. She also leads in field goals made, rebounds, blocks and steals. Together, Buragas and Clark are the most dangerous and will likely pull the majority of the defense’s attention on Sunday.
Scouting Bellarmine
By the time Tuesday rolls around, the Bellarmine Knights (2-5) will have already faced two Power Four teams. They lost 90-33 against the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) and face the No. 23 Louisville Cardinals (6-2) at the same time Le Moyne plays Illinois.
Ohio State held all of Bellarmine’s players under double digits, even junior guard Triniti Ralston, who averages 13.3 points per game. Ralston had back-to-back 20-point games earlier this month. Keeping her contained and cutting off passing lanes to and from Ralston should be the Illini’s primary concern to control the game’s pace.
What Illinois needs to do right
The Illini’s most recent win over Western Kentucky featured two strong performances from sophomore forward Berry Wallace and junior guard Maddie Webber. Both finished with 16 points and one steal.
“I’ve learned that coming in as a spark for the team is my role,” Webber said. “I’m confident in my shot and my abilities. Being confident in everything I do has grown a lot since coming here.”
So far, Wallace has been the team’s most consistent player on both ends of the floor. She’s had six 10-point games and four 20-point games. Even when not being able to convert, she’s all over the boards and can make assists. Relying on her, while having other players contribute, is crucial as conference play creeps closer.
“Since last year, I’ve been really expanding my game, being more open to drives and pull-ups,” Wallace said. “It’s been really fun being able to score in different ways, have more options, and make it harder for the defense to guard me.”
Illinois hosts Le Moyne on Sunday at 2 p.m. CST and Bellarmine on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CST.
