Jan. 12, 2003

Box Score

Champaign, Ill. - After Illinois' 73-56 win over Wisconsin in women's basketball on Sunday, Head Coach Theresa Grentz thanked the fans over the public address system. That's how important she believes the crowd is to her team's success.

The 3,544 fans at the Assembly Hall witnessed Illinois' stifling defensive pressure and athleticism in the second half in blowing open what was a close game in the first half. Illinois forced 17 turnovers in the second half and 30 for the game in taking 18 more field goals and five more free throws than the Badgers.

Illinois set the tone for the second half by scoring the final four points in the last 47 seconds of the first half. Aminata Yanni streaked past the defense for a gliding lay-up as time expired. The first half had been nip and tuck and included four ties and four lead changes. Illinois shot just 32.5 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes, including just 1 of 12 from three-point range. Wisconsin forward Ebba Gebisa scored 10 of her 14 points in the first half.

Neither team scored in the first three minutes of the second half. Then the Illinois defensive pressure really took its toll. For the game Illinois scored 36 points off of 30 Badger turnovers. The Illini also scored 30 of its 73 points in the paint.

With Illinois leading 36-35, the Illini went on a 22-6 run to take a commanding 58-41 lead. The final points in that sequence came off a Karen Hagberg steal that led directly to an Aminata Yanni three-pointer. Three other baskets in the run came directly off Illini steals. A Janelle Hughes steal and a lay-in made it 44-37. Maggie Acuna stole the ball in the backcourt and fed Cindy Dallas to increase the lead to 49-37, and then Angelina Williams had the prettiest of the steals when she picked the pocket of a Wisconsin player and took it coast to coast for uncontested lay-up.

Illinois took advantage of its wing players the entire afternoon. Angelina Williams came close to her first career double double with 17 points and eight rebounds. Aminata Yanni added 16 points. Illinois had 21 steals for the game, the most in over two years and fourth most in school history.

Cindy Dallas recorded her 17th career double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Illini out-rebounded the taller Wisconsin team, 44-41.

Illinois remains unbeaten at home at 7-0, the most consecutive home wins since winning seven straight during the 1999-2000 season. The Illini move to 11-3 overall, 3-1 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin falls to 2-11, 0-3.

In an interesting scheduling note, Illinois' next game is against Wisconsin in Madison next Sunday.