AUBURN, Ala.--The Illinois women's basketball team looked like the Fighting Illini of old Saturday in Auburn, Ala. In front of a national CBS television audience, the Illini knocked off No. 14 Auburn, 73-56, on the Tigers home floor. Auburn had won 55 straight games on its home floor against non-conference opponents. The Illini were the first non-conference team to defeat the Tigers at home since 1993.

"It's just a credit to our staff and players who have worked extremely hard to get a win like this," said Head Coach Theresa Grentz.

The coach was especially pleased with the play of freshmen Iveta Marcauskaite and Aminata Yanni off the bench. Marcauskaite dominated the middle with 24 points on 11 of 16 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. Yanni added nine points on 4 of 6 shooting.

"We felt very comfortable against the half-court trap," added Grentz. "While we're not there yet, we talked to each other on defense, made our free throws and played a strong second half."

Marcauskaite scored 10 points and Yanni five points in a 19-8 first-half run that put the Illini in front, 26-17. Yanni took the first pass after entering the game and promptly buried a 17-foot jumper, then nailed a three-pointer from the corner a couple of minutes later.

"Aminata was a big spark for us with one touch then nailing that shot," said Grentz. "You look out and a lot of times we had three freshmen on the floor. They're gaining confidence all the time."

Illinois built a 32-21 halftime lead after holding Auburn to 25.8 percent shooting from the field and forcing 13 first-half turnovers.

As was expected from the nation's 14th-rated team, Auburn made a run. Thanks to some aggressive rebounding and key steals, the Tigers crept back to within 44-42. After a timeout, the Illini shut the door and took firm control of the game. It started on the defensive end.

"We played a different defense each possession," noted guard Allison Curtin. "The key to our success was communication. We're learning to trust each other on the floor and get a feel for what everyone does well."

A pair of three-pointers from Shavonna Hunter and Curtin elevated the lead to 54-44 with 8:47 on the clock. Marcauskaite had five straight points and Hunter made a pair of free throws to make it 67-53 and the game was decided.

"This was the type of game that can turn our season," said Curtin who had a steal for the 23rd straight game and nearly had a triple double with 10 points, a career-high 10 assists and seven rebounds. Anne O'Neil was also in double figures with ten points.

The win gives a springboard into a week where the Illini play at No. 4 Georgia (Thursday) and host No. 10 Penn State (Sunday).

"I've said all along we'll be a better team in March then we are in December," added Grentz. "We just have to keep working. A win like this is only going to bolster their confidence."