Feb. 26, 2004

Final Stats

Champaign, Ill. - The evening began with Cindy Dallas singing a fine rendition of the National Anthem. Unfortunately the evening didn't end well for Illinois as Wisconsin rebounded from a three-point second-half deficit to down the Illini, 59-53.

Illinois shot 31 percent for the game and just 24 percent in the second half and as a result could not hang on to their halftime lead. Wisconsin led most of the second half. Illinois' now stands 10-16 overall and 4-11 in conference play.

Illinois led at the half 30-27 and forced Wisconsin into 11 turnovers in the first half. But that was about all the Illini in their favor on the night. Wisconsin used 52 percent shooting and their inside presence to take control early in the second half. The Badgers went on a 9-0 run to start the second half and never trailed again.

Juniors Angelina Williams and Tiffanie Guthrie both connected for 15 points to lead the Illini. Cindy Dallas who is closing in on a 1,000 rebounds for her career moved a bit closer to that mark with 11 rebounds to go along with her 14 points. Dallas is only nine rebounds shy of a 1,000.

The Orange and Blue could never slow the Badgers inside attack as they allowed 24 points in the paint with a majority of them coming in the second half. The Illini did however force 21 turnovers in the game but were only able to cash in for 15 points off the turnovers.

Wisconsin's size was truly evident on the glass as they won the battle on the boards 44-32. The Badgers were led by the big three inside. Forward Jordan Wilson hit for 16 points and 9 rebounds. The other two post players, Ebba Gebisa and Emily Ashbaugh, both scored 10 points and combined for 12 rebounds.

Illinois concludes its regular season Sunday at the Assembly Hall at 12 p.m. CST against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The game will be telecasted on Fox Sports Net.