Illinois Women’s Basketball Dominates Oregon State in an 85-66 Victory
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Illinois women’s basketball team showcased an impressive performance against Oregon State, securing an 85-66 victory at State Farm Center. Makira Cook and Kendall Bostic were the standout players, with Cook delivering a remarkable game scoring 20 points and dishing out eight assists. This win marked a pivotal moment for Cook, who previously experienced a slow start to her final college season.
The Illini’s victory extended their season record to 5-0, bolstering their position in the AP Top 25 rankings. Coach Shauna Green commended her team’s offensive prowess, particularly in the third quarter where they outscored the Beavers 29-14. Despite facing injuries that led to frequent lineup changes, the depth of the team has allowed players like Gretchen Dolan to step into new roles, which could prove beneficial as they prepare for Big Ten play starting mid-December.
Looking ahead, the Illini will face a challenging schedule, with no home games for nearly three weeks. They will participate in the Music City Classic in Nashville, TN, starting next week. Their tournament opener will be against Maryland Eastern Shore, followed by a highly anticipated clash with No. 15 Kentucky, who also boasts a strong 5-0 start under new coach Kenny Brooks.
Coach Green emphasized the need for continuous improvement, particularly on defense, stating, "We still have some lapses defensively… we have to get better with our straight-line drive coverage." As the Illini progress in the season, their strong start and determination to refine their gameplay make them a team to watch in the upcoming contests.
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