Dec. 6, 2008
Box Score
CHICAGO - The Illinois women's basketball team dropped a 71-53 contest to Bradley on Saturday in the Lexus December to Remember Classic at the United Center. The loss snapped a five-game Illinois winning streak at the annual event in Chicago.
Junior center Jenna Smith led the Illini with 14 points, while redshirt freshman Lydia McCully scored 13 points and had five assists and junior Lacey Simpson had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Illinois (3-6) has now lost six consecutive games.
"I have to give a lot of credit to Bradley, the are a very good team and wanted it more today," said Illinois head coach Jolette Law. "For us it's all about effort, that's the bottom line. I want my team to go out there and play with a sense of pride."
The Orange and Blue were unable to recover from an early first-half deficit, as Bradley came out on fire in the opening minutes and jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead. The Braves continued their hot shooting and led the Illini 31-17 at the 10-minute mark. Illinois could not get the game any closer than 12 points the rest of the half and trailed 40-27 at the break.
In the first half, Smith led all scorers with 12 points. The Illini shot 33 percent (10-of-30) from the field compared to Bradley's 44 percent (16-of-36) and were out-rebounded 25-15.
"We need to have a sense of urgency, we can't get behind early and just expect to be able to fight back," redshirt freshman guard Lydia McCully said. "We need to fight right from the start"
Illinois started the second half strong behind McCully, as the freshman came up with a steal and scored six consecutive points to pull the Orange and Blue within nine, 42-33, at the 17:51 mark. Bradley quickly responded with a 10-2 run, however, to push its advantage to 52-35 with 15:26 to play. The Illini scored the next five points but would not get closer than 12 points the rest of the game.
Illinois struggled from the field, shooting 32 percent (21-of-65) for the game compared to Bradley's 44 percent (27-of-61). The Orange and Blue were also out-rebounded 46-35 and were just 5-of-19 (26 percent) on three-pointers.
Bradley (6-1) had three players in double figures, led by forward Sonya Harris' 18 points and forward Monica Rogers' 16 points.
Illinois has one more game before breaking for finals, playing at UW-Milwaukee on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The Illini will then have a 10-day break during final exams before returning to the court on Dec. 20 when they face No. 2 North Carolina in Myrtle Beach.
