Illinois Makes a Statement in Mackey: Illini Knock Off Purdue with Poise and Power
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Illinois didn’t just survive one of the Big Ten’s toughest road tests - they owned it.
In a game that demanded toughness, composure, and execution, the Illini delivered all three in a convincing 83-73 win over Purdue at Mackey Arena. It was a signature road victory that not only pushed Illinois to 2-0 in conference play, but also snapped a long drought in West Lafayette - their first win at Purdue since 2015.
From the jump, Illinois looked like a team ready for the moment. They didn’t flinch in the face of Purdue’s physicality or the early-morning energy of the Mackey crowd.
Instead, they matched it. Berry Wallace came out attacking, setting the offensive tone with drives to the rim and perimeter jumpers.
Cearah Parchment anchored the paint, battling on the boards and finishing through contact. By the end of a high-octane first quarter, Illinois had built a 28-18 lead - and more importantly, had announced they weren’t backing down.
Purdue, as expected, punched back. The Boilermakers found their rhythm in the second quarter, chipping away at the lead with interior scoring and hustle plays.
But Illinois never lost its grip on the game. Destiny Jackson steadied the backcourt with timely playmaking, while Gretchen Dolan chipped in with efficient scoring and a knack for getting to the line - a theme that would carry throughout the afternoon.
When the dust settled at halftime, Illinois still held a 40-38 edge in what was shaping up to be a back-and-forth battle.
Then came the third quarter - and that’s where Illinois started to separate.
Dolan turned up the aggression, finding her spots and converting with confidence. Wallace stayed hot, continuing to punish Purdue’s defense both off the bounce and from deep.
Parchment kept doing the dirty work inside, drawing fouls and creating second-chance opportunities. It was a clinic in offensive balance, with the Illini moving the ball, creating good looks, and capitalizing.
By the end of the quarter, Illinois had stretched the lead to eight, heading into the final frame up 56-48.
But Purdue wasn’t done. The Boilermakers mounted one last push in the fourth, trimming the deficit and forcing Illinois to make plays under pressure. And that’s exactly what the Illini did.
Wallace delivered clutch buckets when the game tightened. Parchment stepped to the line and knocked down free throws with ice in her veins.
Maddie Webber, coming off the bench, gave Illinois a jolt with key scoring in crunch time. The Illini didn’t just hold on - they closed with authority.
Stops on defense, composure at the stripe, and timely execution sealed the deal.
This was a win built on toughness and trust - trust in the system, trust in each other, and trust in the moment.
Final Numbers That Tell the Story:
- Wallace led the way with 21 points and 7 rebounds, doing a little bit of everything.
- Dolan added 19 points on an efficient shooting night, especially impactful in the third quarter.
- Parchment was a force down low, finishing with 14 points and 8 rebounds while drawing constant contact.
- Webber chipped in 12 points off the bench, giving Illinois a much-needed spark late.
- The Illini shot 83% from the free-throw line - a critical edge in a road game.
- They also won the rebounding battle, 35-26, including 10 offensive boards that led to second-chance points.
- Illinois hit 38% from deep and led for 94% of the game, with the lead ballooning to as much as 14.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a message. Illinois went into a hostile environment, controlled the tempo, and executed in winning time. That’s the kind of performance that travels - and the kind that makes you take notice.
Up Next:
Illinois heads back to State Farm Center to host No.
7 Maryland on Jan. 1.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on BTN.
Another big test awaits - but if Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Illini are more than ready.