CHAMPAIGN – Fighting Illini women's basketball hosted the Iowa Hawkeyes for the annual Pack the House game on Sunday. The Orange and Blue fought on their home court as four players scored in double-figures led by Brandi Beasley (21) and Alex Wittinger (20). It wasn't enough, however, as the Hawkeyes took home the win, 94-75. Beasley dished a team-leading six assists and added four steals to her tally, while Wittinger closed play with four blocked shots. Freshman Arieal Scott was among Illini scoring leaders for her 15 points, and redshirt junior Cierra Rice added 11 of her own. The Illini move to 9-9 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
"What was nice to see was that we had four kids in double figures," head coach Nancy Fahey said. "That's when you start getting some momentum offensively. I was pleased with their aggressiveness. I think the people that came here today to support us were outstanding; this was our biggest crowd. It does make a difference when you hear the crowd, it helps to build momentum. I hope our fans know they contributed to those runs today."
Both teams were hot to start on Sunday afternoon as the Illini knocked down 56-percent of their shots to open play and forced three Iowa turnovers to start the contest. Wittinger led all scorers with eight first-quarter points as the two teams traded buckets in the frame. The Hawkeyes netted 12-of-16 from the field to open play, however, taking a 10-point lead into the second quarter.
Illinois and Iowa continued to trade baskets in the second quarter, with both teams shooting better than 60-percent from the field. Beasley contributed nine points for the Illini in the second stanza, while Scott added six points of her own, knocking down 2-of-3 shots from three-point range. Wittinger joined Beasley in double-digits at the halftime break, leading the Orange and Blue with 14 points.
The Illini worked to cut into Iowa's lead after the halftime break. UI continued to stay strong defensively, forcing another three Hawkeye turnovers in the third quarter and scoring seven points off those miscues. The Illini used an 8-2 run in the frame to cut Iowa's lead to just five, but the Hawkeyes continued to push back.
The two teams continued to battle throughout the fourth quarter, but Iowa took home the victory. Illinois was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line on Sunday afternoon, and also knocked down 10 three-point shots. UI forced 11 Hawkeye turnovers in the contest, committing just five of its own.
NEXT UP
Illinois travels to Michigan State on Thursday for a 6 p.m. CT matchup against the Spartans. UI returns to the State Farm Center on January 27, hosting Northwestern for Pride Night. The game will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters. Fans will have the opportunity to sign Illinois' Diversity and Inclusion banner at the West entrance of State Farm Center and fans can receive a Diversity and Inclusion trucker hat.
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
-The Illini set a season-high in attendance on Pack the House Day, with 3,019 fans coming out to watch Illinois take on Iowa.
-Today's game was the first time since December 11, 2018 that the Illini had four players in double digit scoring (Beasley: 21, Wittinger: 20, Scott: 15, Rice: 11)
-This is the first time this season Illinois had two players finish with 20+ points. The last time was vs. Minnesota on February 25, 2018, when Beasley and Wittinger each finished with 21 points.
-The Illini were perfect at the foul line Sunday afternoon, knocking down all five attempts
-Junior Brandi Beasley led the Illini with a season-high 21 points, she is just four points away from reaching her 1,000th career point.
-Beasley also led the Illini with six assists and four steals.
- Senior Alex Wittinger finished with 20 points, her fourth time this season scoring 20+ points.
-Wittinger led the Illini with blocked four shots against the Hawkeyes.
- Freshman Ariel Scott and redshirt junior Cierra Rice also finished in double figures, scoring 15 and 11 points, respectively.
