Jan. 4, 2000

Box Score

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -

Illinois went on a 35-13 run to take a 44-23 halftime lead then had to fight off Wisconsin, 80-74. That gave Illinois its first 2-0 start on the road in the Big Ten under Head Coach Theresa Grentz.

Tauja Catchings showed what some big league moves, driving around opponents, rising for contested jumpers and slithering to rebounds. Catchings wound up with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

The Illini played just seven players with the loss to Dawn Vana and Melissa Parker to injury. Holly Wilson came off the bench after Susan Blauser picked up her fourth foul with the nine minutes left and played some tough defense on Wisconsin forward Jessie Stomski. The Wisconsin sophomore exploded for 17 of her team-high 20 points in the second half as the Badgers closed to within64-58. Stomski didn?t score after Wilson came into the game.

The Illini were able to secure the victory after successful steals from Catchings and Shavonna Hunter.

Illinois showed why the Illini are ranked in top 15 in the country. Catchings and Allison Curtin each had 11 points, while freshman Kristi Faulkner added nine in the first half. The Illini limited Wisconsin to just .310 shooting in the first half, while hitting on a .545 pace themselves. Illinois also forced 15 Badger turnovers in the opening half. Catchings added four blocks for the game.