Champaign, Ill. - The Illini Bounce Back with Dominant Wins
After tough losses to Oregon and USC, the Illini have found their rhythm, delivering emphatic victories in their last two outings. Tuesday night’s triumph over Rutgers was particularly impressive, as the Illini controlled the game from start to finish, securing a 76-56 win.
Despite a sluggish start, with Berry Wallace and Cearah Parchment combining for just 2-of-7 shooting in the first quarter, the duo turned up the heat as the game progressed. Parchment, alongside the towering 6-foot-7 Lety Vasconcelos, overpowered Rutgers’ frontcourt, giving the Illini a decisive edge in rebounds and fueling their fastbreak offense.
With Destiny Jackson orchestrating the play and Maddie Webber providing energy off the bench, the Illini capitalized on their transition game. As the first half drew to a close, Webber showcased her court awareness.
With mere seconds left, Parchment grabbed a rebound and launched a pass to Webber, who caught it near midcourt. Instead of settling for a difficult shot, Webber drove to the basket, converting an uncontested layup that highlighted her savvy play.
Head coach Shauna Green praised Webber’s relentless energy, noting, “She’s just a huge spark, and she has a motor that never stops.” As the Illini gear up for March, such smart and hustling plays will be crucial, with Webber playing a key role. Steals were also pivotal, with Jackson and Parchment proving to be defensive disruptors throughout the night.
In the third quarter, Jackson’s tenacity shone through. She snatched a steal at the top of the key and sprinted for a transition layup, underscoring the Illini’s aggressive defense. “We were getting a lot of steals tonight, which was good, and we were just pushing on them,” Parchment remarked.
Wallace and Parchment have been the dynamic duo all season, setting the stage for future success. Wallace highlighted Parchment’s growth in leadership, saying, “She always steps up to the moment and does a great job taking whatever the defense gives her.”
With the season’s ups and downs, these victories against Wisconsin and Rutgers were crucial. Every win bolsters the team’s morale, especially as they continue to develop. “We have a day off tomorrow, but then we’ll just get back to work,” Parchment stated.
Despite challenges like Gretchen Dolan’s injury and tough losses, the Illini have shown resilience. “I think our kids, for being young, really stayed locked in through adversity,” Green said.
Stat Highlights:
- Berry Wallace (ILL) - 21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist
- Cearah Parchment (ILL) - 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals
- Destiny Jackson (ILL) - 4 points, 8 assists
- Faith Blackstone (RU) - 13 points, 4 rebounds
Looking Ahead:
The Illini face a critical stretch with just three regular-season games left, including a road trip to Northwestern on Sunday. They previously defeated the Wildcats at home and will look to replicate that success. A significant showdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City looms next Thursday.