Box Score | Printable Box | Highlights | Coach Bollant Postgame Interview

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Despite a slow shooting start, Illinois relied on their stifling defense to take to a 12-0 lead and never looked back, routing Murray State 64-44 in the first home game at State Farm Center in 19 days.

Junior Kyley Simmons hit a step back three to break a 4:09 scoreless streak from both teams to start the game. Coming out of the under 16:00 timeout, sophomore Jacqui Grant quickly scored to swing the momentum. Illinois shots began to fall as senior Ivory Crawford's 3-pointer and layups by Grant and senior Brittany Carter pushed the score to 12-0. After a 0-15 start, Murray State scored their first points with 11:17 left in the first half.

"I said defense wins basketball games and tonight that definitely did," head coach Matt Bollant said. "To shoot 26 percent in the first half, and we just really didn't have a good flow offensively, and to still be up 19. I was really proud of our team going into halftime because of their fight."

The Illini defense held Murray State to just 11 points at half on 5-of-29 (17%) shooting, the lowest the Racers have scored all season in the first half. The Illini defense also forced 13 turnovers and held Murray State to zero free throw attempts entering the half. Overall, Illinois forced 20 turnovers and held the Racers to 27.5% (19-69) from the field and 15% (4-26) from behind the arc.

Chatrice White was just one point away from a double-double at half and finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. The two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week recorded her fourth double-double in her young Illini career. Senior Ivory Crawford continued her strong offensive production totaling 18 points. The two were the only Illini in doubles figures on the night.

"I thought our offense and rebounding was a lot better and gave us a good lift," Bollant said. "Obviously, great to have Chatrice back on the boards to get 15 rebounds. And I thought Ivory, after a slow start, got going and played really well."

As a team, the Orange and Blue shot just 31 percent from the field (23-of-75) and had 11 assists. The Illini outscored the Racers 28-18 in the paint and 19-7 on second chance points. Illinois never trailed in the game, leading for 35:37.

Murray State didn't reach double digits until the final shot in the first half, as Netanya Jackson beat the buzzer. The 11 total points allowed in the first half was just one shy of the fewest Illinois has ever allowed in a half at home, set on Nov. 17, 2013 against Alcon State. The Racers shot better in the second half (35%) but never made a dent into the scoring margin. The Illini tied the biggest lead of the night (28) on a Sarah Hartwell jumper with 3:17 left. A few last minute baskets by the Racers made the final score 64-44.