CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini junior Alex Wittinger earned her first double-double of the season on Wednesday, leading Illinois with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Wittinger combined with sophomore Ali Andrews for 34 of Illinois' points, leading the Orange and Blue over Chicago State, 66-56. Andrews also finished with a career-best eight rebounds and five blocks. With the win, Illinois improves to 2-1 on the season.
"Any win is important," head coach Nancy Fahey said, "but we have to take those wins and grow every time we step out there. I think this team knows that we can execute better, we have to clean up some things offensively and defensively."
The Illini started off strong on Wednesday, using an 11-0 run to take an immediate lead over Chicago State. Illinois held Chicago State to just eight points in the opening period, forcing six cougar turnovers. Andrews was hot through the quarter, going 4-for-4 from the floor to lead all scorers with 10 points. She continued to stay hot, as she closed the first half 6-for-6 from the field and 3-for-3 from distance.
Illinois maintained its lead to the halftime break, taking a 39-22 advantage into the locker room. The Illini held Chicago State to 34-percent shooting in the first half, and forced nine turnovers. Sophomore Brandi Beasley led the charge on that, as she matched her career-high with four steals.
Wittinger picked up the pace in the second half, recording 12 points and 10 boards after coming out of the locker room. She led Illinois with six points in each quarter, and also added a steal and a block to her tally. Chicago State put the pressure on Illinois in the second half, and scored nine points off of UI turnovers. The Illini, however, continued to keep their distance and hold off the Cougars for their second win of the season.
Illinois grabbed 46 rebounds to CSU's 35, and held Chicago State to just 19-percent shooting from distance. The Illini bench contributed 18 points on the night, led by sophomore Courtney Joens who finished with nine points and three rebounds.
The Illini return to State Farm Center on Saturday, hosting Bradley at 2 p.m. The game will mark the annual alumni reunion, welcoming back former Illini and honoring the 20th anniversary of the 1997 Big Ten Championship team. Fans in attendance will receive a replica championship banner, and those who bring their ticket stub from Illinois men's basketball's Nov. 17 game against DePaul will receive free admission.
Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois women's basketball.
Team Notes
Individual Notes
- Sophomore Ali Andrews recorded a season-high 15 points, good for the eighth double-figure scoring effort of her career and first of the season.
- Andrews notched a career-best eight rebounds, four assists and five blocks.
- Junior Alex Wittinger scored 19 points, good for her 41st double figure of career and third of the season.
- Freshman Lyric Robins scored a career-best four points.
- Sophomore Brandi Beasley matched her career-high with four steals.
- Junior Jaelyne Kirkpatrick matched her career-high with three steals.
