Dec. 7, 2002

Box Score?|? Quotes

Tucson, Ariz. - The Illini momentum continued Saturday afternoon, as Illinois defeated North Texas, 92-68, in the opening game of the Fiesta Bowl Women's Basketball Classic. Illinois advance to meet Arizona in the championship game Sunday afternoon at 4:30 CST.

Tiffanie Guthrie replaced Aminata Yanni in the Illinois starting line-up and the strategy worked for the Illini. Yanni had a career afternoon with 27 points, 15 of which came in the first half. The Illini continued to get great play from the post players. Karen Hagberg posted her second career double double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cindy Dallas had eight points and 10 boards. Angelina Williams was also in double figures with 18 points.

"I asked Aminata on the plane if it would help her to come off the bench," said Illinois Head Coach Theresa Grentz. "She agreed to that and did a great job in today's game. Karen Hagberg has just been wonderful. She has been a marvelous leader and has done a yeoman's job on the floor."

Illinois didn't trail in the final 30 minutes of the game, out-scoring the Lady Eagles by 12 points in each half. The Illini used several runs at the end of each half to pull in front. Trailing 24-23, Illinois went on a 26-13 run to close the half and lead 49-37 at the break. The Illini did much of its damage from the free-throw line. Yanni went 6 for 7 from the line in the first half. Illinois continued to dominate games from the line, making 25 of 34 from the stripe compared to just 10 of 13 for North Texas.

Illinois continued to extend its lead, holding North Texas scoreless for the first four minutes of the second half while scoring six of its own. Angelina Williams' three-pointer made it 55-37 Illinois with 16 minutes to play in the game.

North Texas was able to stay in the game thanks to forcing 25 Illinois turnovers. The Eagles got as close as ten at 74-64, but the Illini out-scored North Texas, 15-4 to close out the game thanks to the three-point shot. Illinois made seven three pointers (on 19 attempts) for the game after combining for one in the previous two games. Yanni led the way by making 3 of 6. Jere Issenmann and Williams had two apiece.

"The defense was really key for use and we reached our goal of making more free throws than they attempted," said Grentz.

As far as the 5-0 start, the coach said, "The team enjoys playing together. Brett Leonard's leadership has a calming effect. I thought we also got great guard play today."

"This tournament is just first class," Grentz added. "Having the Fiesta Bowl involved makes this a great opportunity for us."