Dec. 10, 2003

Final Stats

Champaign, Ill. - For the second straight game, Illinois received solid team play, a great effort, and tremendous defense in winning convincing over a Missouri Valley opponent. Wednesday night at the Assembly Hall, the Illini held visiting Bradley (1-6) to just 25.4 percent shooting in a 78-50 victory.

Illinois (3-4) out-rebounded Bradley, 52-34, and had three different players with at least four assists in a balanced offensive attack. The trio of Aminata Yanni (20 points), Angelina Williams (19) and Tiffanie Guthrie (19) were the beneficiary of some nice passes and several transition baskets. Guthrie, Williams, and sophomore Maggie Acuna contributed four assists apiece.

Wednesday night's tilt was the first at home for Illinois in over two weeks. The next two games, both at Assembly Hall, pit the Illini against Pepperdine (Dec. 14) and Alabama State (Dec. 21).

Yanni was extremely fluid in her shooting, which included not only culminating fast break baskets, but also jumpers from the perimeter, including two three-pointers. In the process Yanni, who connected on 9 of 12 field goals overall, moved into sixth on the Illini's all-time three-point list with 87.

Guthrie's well-rounded game not only included those 19 points, but also 12 rebounds, her second double-double of the year and third of her career. Williams nearly made it two players with double-doubles, adding nine rebounds and two blocks to go with her 19 points.

The Illini dominated in points in the paint, 46-16, and fast-break points, 14-0. Illinois was never threatened in the game as they coasted to a 15-point halftime lead (38-23). Illinois meanwhile had no problems on the offensive end as they shot 50 percent from the field for the game and dished out 20 assists.

Bradley kept fighting, but had trouble putting the ball in the hoop all night. Illinois extended its lead to 45-25 at the 17:30 mark of the second half. Bradley went on an 11-2 run to get as close as 47-36 with 13:16 left, but Illinois responded with a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to close out the Braves, taking a 56-36 lead.

The Illini return to action this Sunday against Pepperdine at 2 p.m. at the Assembly Hall. Once again the first 500 fans will receive a collector's holiday ornament.