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MELBOURNE, Australia – Fighting Illini women's basketball continued play in Australia on Saturday, defeating the Victoria All-Stars, 67-62. Three Illini scored in double-figures in the contest, led by rising senior Brandi Beasley who racked up 14 points and five assists. Ali Andrews added 13 points and four steals for Illinois, and Courtney Joens finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Once again, Illinois took an early lead in the matchup, starting the contest on an 8-0 run. UI played tough defense to start, holding the All-Stars to just 22-percent shooting in the opening frame. Rising senior Ali Andrews posted four first-quarter points to lead Illinois, while rising sophomore Mackenzie Blazek led the Orange and Blue on the boards with three rebounds to start the matchup. The Illini forced six All-Star turnovers in the first quarter, scoring five points off those miscues.
Victoria pushed back to start the second quarter, pulling ahead to take a one-point lead into the locker room at the half. Illinois continued to battle, however, as Beasley contributed five points in the second quarter. Andrews and Joens led Illinois with nine points each at halftime. Joens also added four rebounds in the second frame to lead UI with five boards at the break.
The Illini came out strong after the break, holding the All-Stars to just 10 third-quarter points. The Orange and Blue regained their advantage in the matchup, leading Victoria 52-46 before the final frame. Andrews continued her scoring ways after the half as she led all scorers with 13 points before the fourth quarter. Nine Illini contributed to Illinois scoring in the first three periods, as UI worked to earn its second victory of the Australia Tour.
The Orange and Blue continued to battle to the final buzzer on Saturday evening, maintaining their advantage to earn their second victory in Melbourne. Illinois forced seven All-Star turnovers in the fourth quarter, bringing the total to 24 miscues in the game. Nine Illini contributed to Illinois' scoring in the contest, and nine Illini grabbed at least one rebound on the night. Once again, freshman Kennedi Myles led UI on the glass as she recorded nine boards.
NEXT UP
The Illini are set to travel to Cairns on Sunday, spending time sightseeing in the area. Illinois is set to face the Cairns Dolphins in its final game of the trip before traveling to Sydney for the last leg of the Australia Tour.
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Keep up with the Fighting Illini Women's Basketball squad on social media for an even more inside look at the program and the team's trip to Australia. Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
