Nov. 24, 2001

Box Score

Moraga, Calif. - To say the Illinois defense was good this weekend would be an understatement. For the second night in a row the Illini D stifled an opponent in a 66-53 win over St. Mary's College in the championship game of the Holiday Inn/St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic.

St. Mary's shot just .268 from the field for the game (19 of 71), including a measly .231 in the second half, all do to a rugged 1-3-1 zone that made the Gaels work for every shot. Friday night Illinois forced 32 turnovers and allowed James Madison to shoot just .246 (14 of 57). Combined the two opponents made just 33 of 128 field goals (.258). Illinois also forced 49 turnovers and allowed just 98 points combined in the two games.

Shavonna Hunter was named the tournament MVP after scoring 21 points on 9 of 16 shooting. Hunter had two steals for break away lay-ups and constantly drove around opposing guards for easy baskets. Hunter, who was able to rest Friday because of a 40-point win, was on the floor for all 40 minutes Saturday.

"I was just looking to be aggressive," Hunter said. "They have a pretty good point (Corrie Mizusawa) and try to work through her, so I tried to give her a lot of trouble defensively."

What was most impressive was the way Hunter rallied the troops in the second half. Illinois led 37-25 at the half. Twice St. Mary's made runs to cut the margin to seven, but Hunter and the Illini were not to be denied. Illinois extended a 51-44 lead back to 12 at 58-46 with 6:58 remaining, and St. Mary's could get no closer.

"The team reacted well (to the St. Mary's rallies)," Hunter said. "I'm just proud of how everybody kept their composure. My job as a point guard and captain is to let everyone know it's going to be okay."

"Shavonna Hunter played extremely well," said Head Coach Theresa Grentz. "She distributed the ball nicely. She has a real calming effect on the team."

Iveta Marcauskaite was also named to the all-tournament team. Marcauskaite had her second straight double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Cindy Dallas was tenacious on the boards with a team leading 13 rebounds.

Illinois spotted St. Mary's an 11-6 lead, then chipped away to take the lead for good at 19-17 with 8:31 left. The Illini extended the lead to 12 points at intermission thanks to six first-half three pointers, two apiece from freshmen Angelina Williams (13 points) and Jere Issenmann. Williams had a great night with 13 points and five rebounds.

"You have to credit our defense," Grentz said. "We were able to put a lot of pressure on them and disrupt what they were trying to do. "

Indeed Illinois did a decent job of neutralizing the St. Mary's twin towers - Jermisha and Jerkisha Dosty. The duo did combine for 25 points and 24 rebounds, but made just 9 of 30 field goals.

The two Illinois wins should not be taken lightly. James Madison and St. Mary's combined to win 49 games last year and each team returned four starters. James Madison advanced to the WNIT semifinals, while St. Mary's upset Texas in the NCAA First Round and gave a good battle against Tennessee in the second round in Knoxville.

The Illini don't have much time to rest, playing Tuesday night at Duquesne.