Feb. 29, 2004

Champaign, Ill. - Sunday was Senior Day at Illinois. The Illini honored Allison Guth, Brenda Blackburn, Brett Leonard, Aminata Yanni, and Cindy Dallas before the game. The Illini, however, couldn't pull off the victory, falling to Iowa, 89-64. Senior Cindy Dallas playing in her last game at Assembly Hall reached another milestone as she became the first Illini and just the sixth in Big Ten history to reach the 1,000 rebound mark. Dallas led the Big Ten in rebounding again this season becoming the first player in conference history to lead the league in rebounding three straight years.

Illinois (10-17, 4-12) again started strong in the first half forcing Iowa into 33 percent shooting and out-rebounded the Hawkeyes 26-20. Even though the Illini looked like they were controlling the tempo, Iowa was still able to hit the perimeter shots and that kept them in the first half. Iowa took a 35-33 lead at the half and at that point it looked like it was anyone's.

The Illini were led by none other than senior Cindy Dallas on Senior Day, scoring 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Freshman Erin Wigley was the lone other Illini to hit for double figures going for 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The second half hasn't been kind to the Illini in recent games and today it continued. Iowa came out scorching to start the second half jumping out to a 21-2 run, opening a 56-35 lead five minutes into the half. Illinois could never throw a run together after that point leaving the game in cruise control for the Hawkeyes. After shooting 41 percent in the first half, Illinois followed with 24 percent shooting in the second frame.

Iowa was led by Kristi Faulknerwho hit for 25 points. Jennie Lillis scored 20 points, while Jamie Cavey added 14 points.

Illinois will travel to Indianapolis for the annual Big Ten Tournament next week, March 4-8. The Illini will play at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.