In Illinois’ first round WNIT game against Miami (Ohio), junior guard Amber Moore led Illinois with a season-high 25 points. In its second round game against Eastern Illinois, Moore hit a 3-pointer with less than eight minutes left to give the Illini a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. Illinois would need Moore’s late game heroics once again in the round of 16 game at Toledo on Thursday.

Two 3-pointers by Moore with less than six minutes left propelled Illinois to a 63-55 win at Toledo, advancing the Illini to its first WNIT quarterfinals since 2009-10.

“We had a lot of poise tonight and played with a lot of heart,” Illinois head coach Matt Bollant said. “I think this is as good of a road win as we’ve had in a long time. To come into this really tough environment against a Toledo team that is in the top 40 in the RPI, this is a really good win for our team.”

Entering halftime with a 30-24 deficit, Toledo came out in the second half as the aggressor. The Rockets went on a 23-13 run to begin the half, giving them a 47-43 lead with about eight minutes remaining. With the 29-win Toledo squad continuing to find holes in the defense and the environment playing a factor, Illinois seemed as if its second half struggles throughout the season would get the best of them yet again.

“They made several runs at us, and earlier (in the season) we may not have responded like we did tonight,” Bollant said.

Like they did against Eastern Illinois on Monday when trailing in the second half, the Illini charged back.

A 15-4 Illinois run that included a go-ahead 3-pointer by Moore with 5 minutes, 32 seconds remaining in the game brought the score to 50-47. Illinois would lead the rest of the way. Another 3-pointer by Moore, her fifth of the game, served as the dagger, extending Illinois’ lead to 55-49. With six 3-pointers on the night, the Illini tied a program record for threes made in a single season with 181.

“This postseason has been so good for Amber,” Bollant said. “To get three great games and play with a lot of poise and a lot of heart and hit five threes for us, and also was great in the ‘Buzz’ for us as well.”

Though Moore, who scored 18 points, was key in the late stages of the game once again for the Illini, Ohio native Karisma Penn was also a force, leading the team with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

“I thought Karisma was a warrior down the stretch,” Bollant said.

Bollant’s famed ‘Buzz’ defense led to 23 turnovers, including 13 Illinois steals, breaking the Big Ten single-season record.

“To force 23 turnovers against this team … they’re a really good basketball team,” Bollant said. “I’m so proud of this team for the heart that they played with, and the passion.”

Michael can be reached at [email protected].