INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Fighting Illini's starting frontcourt of senior Ali Andrews and freshman Kennedi Myles each notched double-digit scoring games, but it was not enough to lead No. 13 seeded Illinois (11-19) past No. 12 Wisconsin (12-18) in a 71-55 decision in the first round of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament on Wednesday (March 4) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Illini, who have been forced to play undersized for much of the season due to injuries, received a stellar effort from the duo of Andrews and Myles. Andrews, playing in her final game in an Illini uniform, tallied a team-leading 15 points, including 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Myles added 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, extending her Illinois freshman records for both double-doubles (8) and total rebounds (251). She also recorded a season-best three blocks.
Freshman guard Jada Peebles (10 points) reached double-figures for the fourth time this season, and the first time since Dec. 31 at Iowa, to join Andrews and Myles in double-digits scoring for the Illini. Classmate Jeanae Terry also provided a boost for the Orange and Blue, pulling down a season-best eight rebounds, while chipping in with five points.
After a back-and-forth battle throughout the first quarter, Illinois was once again undone by an extended scoring drought. This time a nearly five-minute swoon, in which they missed seven consecutive field goals, allowed the Badgers to mount an 11-0 run that turned a slim 17-16 lead into a 28-16 edge at the 4:08 mark of the second quarter.
Team Notes
- The Fighting Illini closed the 2019-20 season with a record of 11-19. The 11 victories for the Illini mark the third consecutive season with an improved win total under head coach Nancy Fahey, and the wins by the Illini since the 2014-15 season (15 wins).
- With Wednesday's loss, the Illini fall to 18-26 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament.
Individual Notes
- Senior forward Ali Andrews scored in double figures for the 13th time this season and the 36th time in her Illini career.
- Freshman forward Kennedi Myles' 13 points and 11 rebounds marked her eighth double-double of the season, extending her freshman record.
- Myles finished her rookie campaign with 251 rebounds, also a freshman record, and good enough for 20th on the Illinois single-season charts.
- Freshman guard Jeanae Terry tied her season-high with eight rebounds.
- Terry finished her first season at Illinois with a team-leading 91 assists, sixth all-time by a freshman.
- Jada Peebles (10 points) reached double-figures for the fourth time this season, and the first time since Dec. 31 at Iowa, a span of 14 games played.
