The Illinois women’s basketball team secured a decisive 86-66 victory over the No. 14/12-ranked Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center. This win marked Illinois’ first ranked victory of the season and ended a 16-game losing streak against the Hoosiers.
The Illini’s balanced offensive attack was led by standout performances from multiple players. Makira Cook set the pace with a team-high 22 points, marking her fourth game this season with at least 20 points. Adalia McKenzie and Genesis Bryant contributed significantly, recording 14 and 15 points, respectively. Kendall Bostic notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, making her presence felt on both ends of the court.
The team’s defensive effort was played a large part in the upset. Illinois was able to force 14 turnovers and capitalized on those opportunities with 16 points off takeaways. Illinois dominated in the paint, outscoring Indiana 42-36, and controlled the boards with a 30-26 advantage.
The game’s turning point came in the second quarter when the Illini orchestrated an 18-2 run, fueled by stout defense and efficient scoring. McKenzie and Cook played pivotal roles during this stretch, propelling Illinois to a commanding 44-28 lead at halftime.
Despite a brief surge from the Hoosiers in the second half, Illinois maintained their composure and answered with crucial baskets.
Coach Green Speaks on Matchup with Hoosiers
Head coach Shauna Green praised her team’s execution of the game plan, emphasizing the importance of neutralizing Indiana’s key player and limiting their effectiveness in the paint. Green also highlighted the significance of winning the battle on the boards, preventing Mackenzie Holmes from generating second-chance opportunities.
“I’m just really proud of our guys today,” said Green. “I have a ton of respect for Indiana and what Teri’s done and how she’s built the program. I remember when she first got there and how she’s built it up into a perennial top-15 team.”
“We knew it was going to be a really tight game, and they’re so hard to prepare for. I’m really proud of how we came out, executed our game plan, and made it really tough on them. Holmes had 15 early, but then I thought we did a really good job on her as the game went on with bringing some doubles and trying, as best you can, to neutralize her a little bit. She’s so good, and she’s so hard to prepare for. They have so many pieces around her that can hit threes and do different things.”
Indiana drops to 21-4 after the loss with a tough matchup ahead. The Hoosiers host Iowa on February 22. The last time these two teams met, Iowa thrashed Indiana, 84-57.