Autumn Taylor Head Women's Basketball Athletic Trainer | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Autumn Taylor Head Women's Basketball Athletic Trainer | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
No. 19 Illinois emerged victorious against Maryland Eastern Shore with a 75-55 win in the Music City Classic on Tuesday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee. The Fighting Illini's triumph was marked by significant contributions from several players under the guidance of head coach Shauna Green.
Genesis Bryant led Illinois with a standout performance, scoring a game-high and season-most 27 points. Bryant excelled from beyond the arc, going 4-for-5 from three-point range and converting 11 of her 14 free throw attempts. She also contributed five assists and two rebounds.
Kendall Bostic recorded her third double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Notably, Bostic tied the program record for most boards in a single quarter with nine rebounds in the first period. She added three assists and two blocks to her stat line.
Makira Cook added to Illinois' offensive efforts with 15 points, marking her third double-digit scoring game this season. Cook also registered one block and one rebound.
Brynn Shoup-Hill achieved a career-high with 11 rebounds during the game, while Adalia McKenzie filled various roles by accumulating five points, four assists, three rebounds, and one steal.
Gretchen Dolan provided support off the bench by adding seven points and a block.
The contest between Illinois and UMES was notably physical, featuring a combined total of 55 fouls and free-throw attempts. The Illini opened strong defensively, keeping UMES scoreless for over six minutes at the start of the game while establishing an early lead that they maintained throughout.
Despite UMES narrowing their deficit to ten points midway through the second quarter, Illinois countered effectively to regain control before halftime with notable performances from Bryant and Cook contributing significantly to their lead.
Illinois will conclude its participation in the Music City Classic on Wednesday when they face No. 14 Kentucky at 7 p.m. CT on BallerTV.
Shauna Green has led Illinois to an undefeated start this season as they hold a record of 6-0 for only the second time under her leadership.
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