Dec. 16, 2000

Box Score | Illini Wrap (video) | Illini Wrap (audio)

CHICAGO - A three pointer by Molly Watson with 4.9 seconds remaining gave the DePaul Blue Demons the edge they needed to defeat Illinois 65-63 in the second game of the annual Fighting Illini men's and women's double header at the United Center in Chicago.

Despite suffering a severe ankle sprain last time out, Allison Curtin came off the bench to lead the Illini with 17 points on 7-11 shooting. Curtin also went 2-4 from behind the arc along with grabbing seven rebounds and swiping four steals. Cindy Dallas and Aminata Yanni each added 10 points.

Illinois scored first, but DePaul answered with a three to take the lead at 3-2. Illinois came back strong at the start to take seven-point leads at 10-3 and 12-5. The Blue Demons answered the Illini run as the lead changed hands 10 times in the first half. Overall the Illini offense shined in the opening period shooting 50 percent from the floor (15-30). Dallas scored all 10 of her points in the first half, going 5-5 from the floor, to lead the Illini to a 41-39 halftime advantage.

The score was within three points throughout the second half, but Watson's three in the final seconds sealed Illinois' fate. The Illini fall to 3-6 on the year. They return to action on Wed., Dec. 20 when they play their second consecutive game at a neutral site. Illinois meets Missouri at the Savvis Center in St. Louis for a 7 p.m. contest.