The Illinois women’s basketball team entered its game against Northwestern with an offensive identity, ranking second in the Big Ten and 29th in the nation in scoring at 73.2 points per game. In Thursday’s contest, the Illini proved they could play some defense, too.

Adrienne GodBold’s 20 points led Illinois (9-6, 2-1 Big Ten) to a 65-47 victory over Northwestern (8-8, 0-3), marking the least points the Illini have allowed this season.

Seniors Karisma Penn and GoldBold provided a lift early for Illinois, combining for 10 of the Illini’s first 12 points. Only two Northwestern players made field goals in the first half.

Illinois’ defense was strong early, as Northwestern turned the ball over 16 times in the first half, only two fewer than its season average of 17.9 per game.

With the game tied at 10 midway through the first half, Illinois began a 7-0 run while utilizing the Buzz defense, stretching the score to 17-10.

GodBold led the defensive effort, grabbing six rebounds along with two steals and a block in the first half. She also led the Illini in scoring with nine points. The first half ended with the Illini in front 23-19, marking the lowest scoring output in a half by an Illinois opponent this season.

Both teams struggled to make even a fourth of its field goal attempts, as Illinois shot 25 percent from the field in the first half compared to Northwestern’s 20 percent shooting.

Aggressiveness proved to be the difference maker in the second half. The Illini came out of halftime with more energy than the Wildcats, surging on a 17-6 run to take a 40-25 lead.

Northwestern finished the game with 34 turnovers, almost double its season average, which led to 23 Illinois points. Penn and sophomore guard Alexis Smith each had six steals, while GodBold recorded five. The Illini’s 24 steals were one shy of a school record.

“(Karley Roser) had eight assists and no turnovers against Indiana just last week, and today she had 15 turnovers,” Illini head coach Matt Bollant said. “That says something about our defense.”

The Illini shot 23-for-28 from the free-throw line, compared to Northwestern’s 13-of-18 performance.

Illinois is 3-1 since GodBold returned from her academics-induced suspension, with two of those wins coming against opponents ranked or receiving votes in the top 25.

Penn, who has won consecutive Big Ten Player of the Week honors, finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, six steals and a block. Moore chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Thursday’s win at Northwestern marks the first time Illinois has won back-to-back road games in the Big Ten since the 2003-04 season.

Michael can be reached at [email protected] and @m_dubb.