The University of Illinois women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Sunday afternoon, defeating Le Moyne College 100-28 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The Illini’s decisive victory was marked by a remarkable shooting efficiency, as they made their first ten shots and finished the game with a shooting percentage of 57.
This game showcased the depth of Illinois’ roster, with 11 players contributing to the scoring. Freshman forward Cearah Parchment had an outstanding game, posting 17 points, seven rebounds, and an impressive ten steals, making it her most complete performance of the season.
Impressive Defensive Effort
The Illini’s defensive strategy was a critical factor in their victory. They recorded 22 steals throughout the game, continuing a trend of aggressive defense seen in their recent matches against Florida State and Western Kentucky. Coach Shauna Green expressed satisfaction with her team’s discipline on both ends of the floor, praising their ability to hold Le Moyne to under ten points in every quarter.
“This was a great team effort,” Green said. “I was really happy with how these guys came out and really took it to them right away and never looked back. Our discipline throughout was really good on both ends of the floor.”
This win improved Illinois’ record to 6-1, while Le Moyne fell to 1-6. The match served as a final preparation before Illinois embarks on their Big Ten schedule, which begins with a crucial game against Indiana on March 15, 2024.
Looking Ahead
Illinois will face Bellarmine University on Tuesday at 18:00 local time, marking a quick turnaround for the team. Bellarmine enters the game with a record of 2-7 and will be playing their fourth game in five days after suffering a significant loss to No. 23 Louisville earlier in the week.
This matchup presents an opportunity for Illinois to solidify their momentum before diving into conference play. With Indiana currently holding a record of 7-1, the Illini will need to maintain their strong performance to compete effectively in the Big Ten.
As the season progresses, the Illini’s focus remains on refining their play and building on their successful strategies, particularly their defensive prowess and offensive execution. With a promising start to the season, the team is poised to make an impact as they enter one of the most challenging parts of their schedule.
