Box Score
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If Monday night is any indication, Illinois women's basketball is going to be fun to watch in 2001-2002. The Illini opened their exhibition schedule with a 105-90 victory over the Ohio Girls' Basketball Magazine Legends.

Despite two barrages of five-rebound trips for Illinois, the Illini shot .488 from the field. Illinois also out-rebounded the Legends, 54-45. Dawn Vana impressed OGBM Legends coach John Feasel. "I tell you one thing, Dawn Vana is money," he said. "They're big and their big girls don't miss.

Vana made 11 of 16 shots from the field and had five assists and seven rebounds en route to a game-high 25 points. Vana led the starting trio of post players who combined for 65 points. Cindy Dallas added 23 points and nine boards, while Iveta Marcauskaite posted a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

"When you're in a streak, you're in a streak," Vana said. "The basket was like an ocean for me tonight."

Another bright spot came from freshman guard Jer? Issenmann, who provided a big lift from the outside. Issenmann made four of her ten three-points shots for 12 points. Illinois had 23 assists compared to just 19 turnovers led by eight assists from Shavonna Hunter (nine points).

"This team is not selfish in the evidence we had 23 assists," said Head Coach Theresa Grentz. "The freshmen performed well. They didn't know what to expect. Their athleticism is going to be an asset for us."

Illinois went on a 26-9 run early in the game to take a commanding 30-19 advantage with 9:31 to play in the first half. Seven different Illini players contributed points during the rally, a testament that many different players are capable of scoring this season.

The Legends got as close as 45-37, but the Illini went back in front 54-40 at the half. Illinois shot 52.5 percent from the field in the second half. Vana made 6 of 8 shots and scored 14 points in the second half. Marcauskaite added 13 points in the second half on 6 of 10 shooting. The sophomore from Lithuania also added a three-pointer.

"Everyone just wants the team to score," said Dallas. " It doesn't matter who as long as the job gets done,"

The Illini left little doubt about the outcome, out-scoring the Legends 29-18 to the start the second half, giving Illinois an 83-58 lead.

Illinois returns to action Sunday, hosting a team from Lithuania.