Dec. 6, 2003

Box Score

Illinois senior forward Cindy Dallas led the Fighting Illini past Illinois State Saturday afternoon 85-51 at the United Center in Chicago. The Illini used their superior strength and size to outmuscle the Redbirds, outscoring their in-state rivals 54-12 in the paint and out-rebounding them 57-31. Illinois also spread the ball around, dishing out 26 assists on their 33 field goals.

Leading the charge was Dallas, who set an Illinois record by shooting 10-for-10 from the field en route to 21 points. She also snared nine rebounds. Her perfect shooting day broke the old Illinois field goal percentage record, which was previously held by Jonelle Polk who had held the record since she went 12-of-13 vs. Indiana on Jan. 30, 1987.

Illinois State remained close until the Illini outscored them 14-2 in the final 5:28 of the first half to give the Orange and Blue a 38-25 halftime advantage.

The Illini picked up where they left off at halftime, stretching their lead to 52-27 with another 14-2 run in the opening 6:02 of the second half.

Three other Illini scored in double figures, with senior forward Aminata Yanni's scoring 17, Tiffanie Guthrie 11, while Angelina Williams contributed 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.

With the win, the Illini improve to 2-4. The team is back in action Wednesday, Dec. 10 vs. Bradley at the Assembly Hall.