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MELBOURNE, Australia – Fighting Illini women's basketball pulled out to an early lead over the Dandenong Rangers on Friday evening in Melbourne, opening play in Australia with an 86-71 victory at Dandenong Stadium. Four Illini scored in double-figures, led by rising senior Courtney Joens who finished with 20 points on 55-percent shooting. Freshman Jeanae Terry joined Joens in double-digits, adding 18 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Kennedi Myles posted 12 points and 11 boards on the night. Rising senior Brandi Beasley finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Illini as well.
Illinois used a 7-0 run in the first quarter to secure an early lead over Dandenong on Friday evening. The Illini held a 26-18 advantage over the Rangers after the first quarter of play, led by an 11-point first quarter from Joens. Six Illini scored to open the game, including Terry, who added five points for Illinois. Myles was also a key contributor in the first frame, grabbing four boards for the visiting Illini.
The Illini and the Rangers traded buckets throughout the second quarter, but UI continued to build on its lead before the halftime break. Terry and rising senior Brandi Beasley combined for 16 points in the second quarter. Beasley added three rebounds in the frame as well. The Orange and Blue held Dandenong to just one three-pointer in the first half, also holding the Rangers to 27.8-percent shooting.
Illinois took a 44-33 lead into the second half of play in Melbourne, and worked to build upon their lead. The Orange and Blue did just that, outscoring Dandenong 30-19 in the third quarter. Terry continued her scoring ways, adding six more points in the quarter. She led UI with 18 points through three quarters of play. Joens also continued to contribute to the Illini offense as she also added six points before the fourth period. Illinois continued to play strong on defense, racking up 12 steals as a team before the fourth quarter and forcing 19 Ranger turnovers.
The Illini used a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to continue to extend their lead over the Rangers. Dandenong responded with a 7-0 run of their own down the stretch, but could not catch the visiting Fighting Illini. The Orange and Blue held the lead for more than 39 minutes in the contest, earning the 86-71 victory.
UI capitalized with 28 points off of Dandenong turnovers in the matchup and swiped 15 steals as a team. The Orange and Blue shot 40.7-percent from the field, holding the Rangers to 32-percent shooting overall. Ten Illini contributed to Illinois scoring in Friday's game, and the squad assisted on more than 57-percent of their field goals on the day.
NEXT UP
The Illini will play one more game in Melbourne, taking on the Victoria All-Stars tomorrow evening. The Orange and Blue will spend the day sightseeing in Melbourne on Saturday before the game, and the team will depart for Cairns on Sunday. Illinois is set to face the Cairns Dolphins in its final game of the trip.
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