Jan. 4, 2007

Box Score

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Illinois never trailed in an impressive 70-51 road victory over Michigan Thursday night at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Fighting Illini (12-3 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) shot 53 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Wolverines 40-23 to improve to 4-3 on the road this season. Freshman center Jenna Smith tallied her second career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Orange and Blue made six of their first seven shots and jumped out to an early 15-4 lead. UM clawed its way to within four at one point, 19-15, with 8:20 left in the half, but the Illini closed out the first half with a 10-2 run, holding the hosts scoreless for over five minutes, to open up a 35-21 lead at the break. Lacey Simpson led the way with nine points at the half, as Illinois committed just two fouls and shot 56 percent in the opening 20 minutes.

"When Michigan got back in the game we talked during a timeout about needing to get the ball inside more," said Illini head coach Theresa Grentz. "We were able to do that at the end of the first half and in the second and that made a big difference. Our high-low play caused them some problems."

The Illini didn't let Michigan (7-9, 0-3) get back in the game in the second half, never letting led fall below 12 and eventually blowing it up to as many as 27 (69-41) late in the game. Illinois hit 26-of-49 (.532) for the game, 5-of-10 (.500) from three-point land and 13-of-15 (.867) from the line to extend Michigan's Big Ten losing streak to 28 games.

"We talked about finishing the first half and the game well and we did that to night," Grentz said. "I was happy with only seven turnovers in the second half and we shot the ball well both from the field and the free throw line."

Smith hit 6-of-9 from the field for her 15 points and added four assists and four blocked shots. Rebecca Harris tied her Illinois career-high with 12 points and Chelsea Gordon was also in double figures with 10 points. Lori Bjork scored eight points to snap her streak of 12 straight games in double figures, but did hit two three-pointers to keep her streak of hitting at least two three-pointers in each game this season alive.

Illinois was shorthanded for most of the week leading up to the tonight's game, as a mysterious illness spread through the team and staff after Sunday's trip back from Minnesota. Stephanie Chelleen and Danielle Gratton did not make the trip due to the illness, and Bjork and Smith, as well as several staffers, missed extensive practice time but were recovered for the game.

"We haven't had a full team all week and we only had eight dress tonight, but those that were able to play stepped up and played well," said Grentz. "We were able to get some rest for three of our starters down the stretch."

The Orange and Blue return home to face the Indiana Hoosiers (11-4, 1-2) on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. The game can be heard live on the Illini Sports Network. Following that, the Illini will have a mid-week bye before returning to the floor Sunday, Jan. 21 at Wisconsin.