Nov. 22, 2006
Box Score
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois bounced back from its first setback of the season in a big way. Two days after dropping a nail biter at Northern Illinois, the Fighting Illini returned to the friendly confines of Assembly Hall Wednesday night and routed Northern Colorado, 76-39. Freshman Jenna Smith had a career-high 14 points and six rebounds to pace Illinois (4-1).
The Illini defense was stifling, holding the Bears to just 29.8 percent shooting and forcing 28 turnovers that were converted into 37 points on the offensive end. Freshman Lacey Simpson had five steals to go along with her 12 points and five rebounds.
Illini opened the game on fire, building up a 17-3 lead in the first 5+ minutes of the game. The lead was stretched to 40-23 at halftime, during with Smith scored 12 of her 14 points to best her previous career-high of 11. The Orange and Blue shot 57 percent (13-23) in the opening half.
Illinois opened the second half with a 9-0 surge to put the game away and cruised to the 37-point victory. The Illini shot 51 percent (28-55) for the game and 88 percent (15-17) from the free throw line. Junior Stephanie Chelleen came off the bench to score 11 points in 12 minutes. Sophomore Lori Bjork was also in double figures with 10 points.
The win avenged a 65-55 defeat to Northern Colorado (1-4) last season in the only previous meeting between the two schools.
After taking Thursday off for Thanksgiving, the Fighting Illini return to action on Saturday, Nov. 25 when they host Saint Joseph's at Assembly Hall for a noon tip-off.
