CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini women's basketball team fell Thursday night at State Farm Center in a battle against No. 16-ranked Ohio State, 78-55.
The Illini (2-5, 0-4 B1G) were led by double-digit scoring performances from sophomores Kennedi Myles (15 points), Jeanae Terry (12) and Jada Peebles (11). Terry also ripped down a game-high 10 rebounds to cap a double-double performance.
Sophomore Jacy Sheldon led the Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0) with 20 points while her teammates Aaliyah Patty and Gabby Hutcherson contributed to the scoring with 18 and 12 points, respectively.
The Buckeyes, who entered the game ranked third in the NCAA in scoring (93.4 points per game) put their foot on the gas early in the game, building an 18-8 lead in the first quarter.
The Illini closed the gap with Solape Amusan's three-point buzzer beater at the half, and the Orange and Blue scored the first seven points of the third quarter to pull within 38-30 at the 8:19 mark of the third quarter before the Buckeyes closed the door.
STAT OF THE GAME
Ohio State answered Illinois' 10-0 run – which spanned the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third – with a 22-2 run to push the Illini's deficit from 38-30 to 60-32.
TEAM NOTES
- Illinois had a 10-0 run that began at the final buzzer of the second quarter and lasted 3:10 into the third quarter, pulling to within 38-30 during that stretch.
- The Fighting Illini outrebounded Ohio State, 37-36. On the offensive glass, Illinois edged OSU, 9-8, and the two teams were even on defensive rebounds with 28 apiece.
- The Orange and Blue and OSU were tied in second chance points with six each.
- Tonight's matchup marked the first of four consecutive games scheduled against teams currently ranked in the top 25. The Illini continue the stretch Sunday at No. 15/14 Michigan
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
- Sophomore G Jeanae Terry recorded her second-career double-double with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. As the No. 8-ranked rebounding guard in the nation, Terry has pulled down seven or more boards in all six games of the 2020-21 season. Terry now has 10-career double-digit scoring games.
- Sophomore F Kennedi Myles led the Illini with 15 points, marking her 18th career double-digit scoring game and fourth this season. Myles went 3-for-3 from the charity line and shot a 50 percent from the field (6-for-12). She finished with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Sophomore G Jada Peebles earned her sixth-straight double-digit scoring game, the 11th of her career, totaling 11 points.
NEXT UP
The Fighting Illini face the second of four-consecutive games against top-25 opponents, traveling to No. 15/14-ranked Michigan on Sunday. Tipoff between the Wolverines (8-0, 3-0 B1G) and the Illini is set for 12 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed live on Big Ten Network Plus. Mike Koon will call the action for the Illini on WDWS 1400 AM. Streaming audio and live stats are also available at FightingIllini.com.
