PREVIEW
Illinois hosts a non-conference contest Sunday, welcoming Bryant to State Farm Center at 2 p.m. CT. The game will be the sixth of seven straight home games to open the season for the Illini. At 4-1, Illinois has equaled its best start through five games since 2015-16.
The Illini shut out Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the first quarter Thursday, starting the game on a 21-0 run en route to a 65-50 win. Redshirt junior Petra Holešínská led the Illinois attack with 19 points, while freshman Kennedi Myles recorded her second double-double in five career games with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Bryant (1-3) is coming off an 87-75 loss at Holy Cross on Wednesday.The Buldogs have lost three straight after defeating Brown in their season opener. Senior Sydney Holloway has been a force for Bryant, averaging 11.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Freshman Nicole Gallagher has been Mary Burke's leading scorer at 13.8 points per game.
Saturday's game will be streamed via BTN Plus, and fans can listen in on WDWS AM-1400.
UP NEXT
Illinois will be back in action on Saturday, November 30, when it hosts Presbyterian at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for Saturday's game are available for as low as $3. The game will be streamed via BTN Plus, and fans can listen in on WDWS AM-1400.
NOTES
• Illinois faces Bryant for the first time ever.
• Illinois leads the Big Ten in three-point field goals made (39).
• Illinois is fourth in the Big Ten in steals (10.6 per game).
• Freshman Kennedi Myles is second in the Big Ten and first among Big Ten freshmen in rebounding (9.4 rpg).
• Redshirt junior Petra Holešínská is second in the Big Ten with 15 three-pointers made. She ranks 9th in Illinois history with 105 career three-pointers made.
• Senior Brandi Beasley ranks sixth in Illinois history with 382 career assists, two behind Lydia McCully for fifth.
• Senior Ali Andrews ranks seventh in Illinois history with 125 career three-pointers made.
• Illinois has four newcomers: Taylor Edwards, Kennedi Myles, Jeanae Terry and Jada Peebles. The three freshmen- Myles, Terry, and Peebles - are all contributing major minutes.
• Head coach Nancy Fahey ranks 11th among NCAA active head coaches in career victories (760).
THE FAHEY ERA CONTINUES
The Illini are in their third season under the direction of head coach Nancy Fahey. In her first season at Illinois, Fahey coached the Orange and Blue to a 9-5 nonconference record in 2018-19, which marked the best start to the season since Illinois also earned nine non-conference victories in the 2014-15 campaign (9-3). Illinois won four of its last five games leading up to league play, with the streak marking the most consecutive victories for the Orange and Blue since the start of the 2015-16 season. Under Fahey's guidance, Illini junior Alex Wittinger garnered All-Big Ten Second Team honors, and also matched the school record for single-season offensive rebounds (125). Wittinger earned the program's second-ever triple double during the 2017-18 campaign, and set a new single-game record for blocked shots (11).
In her second season at the helm of the Illini, Fahey 's squad opened the year with a 7-0 record on Lou Henson Court for the first time since the 2006-07 season. The Orange and Blue opened the 2018-19 campaign with an 8-3 start in nonconference play, marking a .727 nonconference winning percentage. That number is the highest for an Illini squad since starting the 2014-15 campaign with a 9-5 nonconference record (.750). Fahey's squad has improved statistically in several categories under her leadership. The Orange and Blue averaged seven more points per game last season than in 2017-18, and improved their field goal percentage by more than four percent.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Beginning last season, fans attending events at State Farm Center will be permitted to carry one clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12"x6"x12", or one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12"x12", or one, one-gallon clear plastic or zip-lock bag. A small clutch no larger than 4.5" x 7" may also be carried in addition to one clear bag. Diaper bags (with child) and bags approved for medical needs will be permitted after search by security personnel. All other bags, backpacks, totes and coolers are strictly prohibited. To present a safe event for everyone, jackets may be searched upon entry. If prohibited items are found, the item will be confiscated OR the guest may personally return it to their vehicle or otherwise dispose of the item away from the facility. State Farm Center does not check or otherwise safeguard personal belongings. This bag policy is subject to change. Please check the event details for any additional specific event restrictions. Check here for more information.
TICKETS
Season and single-game tickets for the 2019-20 Fighting Illini women's basketball season are available now. Fans can renew, upgrade or purchase new season tickets online, at the Illinois ticket office located inside the West Main entrance of State Farm Center, or by phone at 1-866-ILLINI-1. General admission women's basketball season tickets are available for $40 each, while the combined women's basketball/volleyball season ticket is $80. Reserved season tickets in sections 101 and 109-113 are also available for $75. Floor seating, located behind the team benches (sections 10-12) is available for just $55 each. A limited number of courtside seats still remain for $100 each.
