CHAMPAIGN – Freshman Arieal Scott scored a career-high 23 points for Illinois on Thursday evening at the State Farm Center, but the Orange and Blue could not overcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Senior Alex Wittinger was also among Illini leaders with her 14 points and 13 rebounds on the night, marking her fifth double-double of the season and the 31st of her career, and redshirt junior Cierra Rice added 11 points as well. Illinois moves to 9-8 on the season and 1-5 in Big Ten play.
The Huskers were hot to start on Thursday, using 62.5-percent shooting to take a first-quarter lead over the Orange and Blue. Nebraska capitalized with four three-pointers to open play, also scoring five points off of UI turnovers. Scott helped the Illini cut into Nebraska's lead as she knocked down 3-of-4 from the field in the first frame to lead all scorers with eight points.
Although the Huskers struck first in the second quarter, Illinois remained tough on defense. The Illini held Nebraska without a field goal for more than three minutes in the second quarter and allowed just 11 points before the halftime break. The Orange and Blue held Nebraska to 31-percent shooting in the second stanza and just a 12.5-percent clip from three-point range. Scott continued to lead all scorers at halftime with 12 points, while Wittinger led Illinois on the boards with five rebounds.
Nebraska took a 36-29 lead into the second half, but the Illini fought out of the break. The Orange and Blue knocked down five consecutive points to cut into the Husker lead early into the third quarter. The Illini held Nebraska without a three-pointer in the third frame and forced three Husker turnovers. Scott continued to lead for UI, contributing five points in the quarter. Wittinger added four rebounds for the Orange and Blue, and also recorded a rejection in the period.
Illinois continued to battle into the fourth quarter as the two teams traded buckets to end the quarter. UI knocked down six-straight points to cut Nebraska's lead to eight midway through the frame, but the Huskers responded to keep their advantage intact. The Illini grabbed five second-chance points in the final frame, but Nebraska capitalized with eight fourth-quarter points from the free throw line.
The Illini outrebounded the Huskers. 40-32, on Thursday night, led by Wittinger's double-digit boards. Junior Ali Andrews was also among team leaders as she registered six boards on the night. Graduate transfer Sarah Shewan added five rebounds of her own.
NEXT UP
Illinois will welcome Iowa on Sunday for the annual Pack the House game, offering free admission for all fans. The Kids Zone will feature a face painter and balloon art and UI will give away t-shirts at the door. Stick around after the game and get autographs from the Illini as well.
FOLLOW THE ILLINI
Keep up with the Fighting Illini Women's Basketball squad on social media for an even more inside look at the program. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
GAME NOTES
- Coming off the bench, freshman Arieal Scott led the Illini with a new career-high 23 points.
- Scott shot 77.8% from the line, shooting 7-9 of her free-throws.
- Thursday's total marked the first 20+ point game of her career
- The Illini had three players score in double digits – Scott (23), Alex Wittinger (14), and Cierra Rice (11).
- Senior Alex Wittinger recorded her fifth double-double this season and 31st of her career. She ranks sixth all-time in career double-doubles.
- Wittinger also registered 13 rebounds, elevating her career-total to 862 for No. 7 overall in the record books.
- Junior Ali Andrews netted the 100th three pointer of her career. She ranks ninth all-time for that number.
