Jan 15, 2004

Final Stats

MINNEAPOLIS - Illinois didn't pack enough firepower to take out No. 6 Minnesota Thursday night as they fell 74-59. Angelina Williams led all scorers with 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Illini's slow start. Illinois now moves to 7-9 on the season and 1-4 in the Big Ten, while Minnesota remains perfect at 15-0 and 4-0 in conference play.

Illinois failed to get a quick start against lethal Gopher squad led by senior guard Lindsay Whalen. Whalen, who is closing in on the school's all-time scoring mark and second in the nation in scoring (23.0 ppg), was held the first 14 minutes of the game without a point and ended up with a quiet 12 points on the night. The Illini though failed to capitalize on Whalen's quiet first half as the Gophers raced out to a quick double-digit lead and a 40-20 advantage at the half.

Tiffanie Guthrie and Cindy Dallas both hit double-figures with 10 and 12 points respectively. Dallas ended up with 12 rebounds, giving her four double-doubles on the season and 26 for her career. Illini freshman, Missy Mitidiero threw in a career-high eight points going 3-3 from the field, including 2-2 from downtown.

In the second half, Minnesota flexed their muscles as the deep squad showed that everyone could score when needed. The Gophers got four players in double-figures, including Janel McCarville who led Minnesota in both points and rebounds on the night with 15 and 11. Kadidja Anderson contributed 11 points, while Jamie Broback was perfect from the field (4-4) went for 10 points.

The Illini's strength of rebounding got pushed to the side as the Gophers outrebounded the Illini 40-33. Illinois' pressure defense did its job again as they forced 17 turnovers with 10 steals. Illinois shot 43 percent for the game, but shot 59 percent in the second half (16-27), including 3-3 from beyond the arc.

Illinois will finish their three-game road swing Sunday in State College as they take on the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions at 1 p.m. CST.