Justin Peak Video and Scouting Operations Coordinator | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Justin Peak Video and Scouting Operations Coordinator | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois opened its summer 2024 foreign tour with a narrow victory, defeating Spain & Italy Select 67-65 in Ponte Buggianese, Italy. The game took place at a neutral-site gym, approximately an hour from the team's hotel in Florence.
Senior Adalia McKenzie led the team with 11 points. Genesis Bryant, Berry Wallace, and Kendall Bostic each contributed 10 points. Bostic also recorded a double-double with 15 rebounds, including five offensive boards. McKenzie and fellow senior Brynn Shoup-Hill each added seven rebounds, while Shoup-Hill scored nine points. Makira Cook registered nine points and led the team with four assists.
Throughout the trip, Illinois plans to experiment with various lineups and rotations. In this game, ten players logged double-digit minutes, none exceeding 25 minutes on the court. The starting lineup included Bostic, Bryant, Cook, McKenzie, and Shoup-Hill; overall, eleven players saw action.
The Illini held a ten-point lead after the first quarter with a score of 24-14. By halftime, the lead had decreased to eight points (34-26) following Cori Allen's buzzer-beater two-pointer. In the third quarter, Illinois outscored their opponents 16-15 and grabbed 14 rebounds to secure a 50-41 lead heading into the final period. Despite a strong fourth-quarter performance by Spain & Italy Select, Illinois managed to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Before the game, Illinois explored Florence and participated in a pizza-making class. The team will remain in Florence through Monday night for additional activities such as a bike tour and cooking class before traveling to Naples on Tuesday. Their next game is scheduled for Friday night against Amilla Peristeriou.
###
Alerts Sign-up