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Paris, France – The Fighting Illini Women's Basketball team was back in action on Thursday afternoon in Paris, France. The Illini faced Bretigny Select in the second exhibition game of their France tour.  Illinois topped Bretigny 61-56 in a competitive contest.
Bretigny was able to pull ahead to a 5-0 start in the game, but the Illini came roaring back to take a commanding lead in the first quarter. UI allowed just seven first-quarter points from their opponent, taking a 36-7 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Illini were led by sophomore Chatrice White, who is no stranger to foreign play after spending the summer in Russia with USA Basketball. White tallied her second double-double of the trip, racking up 20 points and 14 rebounds. White knocked down 10-of-11 free throws in the game, as she was a major contributor to Illinois' 21-of-23 made free throws on the night. Both Sarah Hartwell and Alex Witinger were a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
Once again, the Illini freshmen were out to make an impact, Wittinger put up double-figure rebounding numbers (10) for the second game in a row. Jaelyne Kirkpatrick contributed 10 points for the Illini, also grabbing two steals along the way. Cierra Rice came up big for the Illini as she racked up five steals on the game, also adding nine rebounds and five points to her totals.
Veteran point guard, Kyley Simmons also finished in double-figures for the Illini. Simmons knocked down three triples on her way to 11 points in the game.
Illinois will again face Bretigny Select on Friday. The game is set for a 5 p.m. tip-off in Paris, 10 a.m. CT. A full game recap will be posted on FIGHTINGILLINI.com following the game.Â