Jan. 26, 2006

Box Score

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Illinois never got going offensively, scoring a season-low 14 points in the first half on its way to a 63-48 loss to Indiana in front of 606 fans at Assembly Hall. Erin Wigley and Janelle Hughes led the Illini with 11 points apiece.

"We fought back in the second half, but we just dug ourselves too deep a hole in the first half," Illinois coach Theresa Grentz said. "We just couldn't execute."

Illinois (12-7 overall, 4-4 in the Big Ten) struggled offensively from the start, chalking up six turnovers only 7:07 into the game. After Janelle Hughes hit a jumper with 12:25 remaining in the half, the Illini went cold, missing their next 10 shots and turning the ball over six times as they labored against the Hoosiers' 3-2 zone.

Indiana used a 14-0 run over 10:01 to take a 24-8 lead, behind five points apiece from Jenny DeMuth and Sarah McKay. The Hoosiers led 29-14 at halftime after holding Illinois to 5-for-20 shooting (.250), including a 1-for-7 (.143) from the arc.

The second half only brought more of the same for Illinois, which despite shooting somewhat better, was unable to cut into the deficit. Indiana expanded its lead by shooting 41.7 percent (15-for-36) in the second half. Illinois finished the game on an 18-4 run, but it was too little, too late for the Illini as they lost 63-48.

The Hoosiers controlled every facet of the game, outscoring Illinois 38-8 in the paint and 24-10 off turnovers. In addition, the Illini finished with 22 turnovers compared to eight assists, while forcing only 13 Indiana turnovers.

"I look at the points in the paint and points off turnovers, and that's the game," Grentz said. "We were just too small. The three-guard lineup is great if it's hitting. But if it's not, you're too small."

Up Next: The road doesn't get any easier for the Illini, as they travel to No. 7 Ohio State on Sunday for a 1 p.m. (CT) meeting with the Buckeyes.