Maya Solomon Director of Basketball Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Maya Solomon Director of Basketball Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois secured a 69-65 overtime victory against Rutgers on Thursday night, overcoming an 11-point deficit. The Illini now hold a 16-5 overall record and are 6-4 in Big Ten play this season.
Genesis Bryant led the team with 28 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. She also made three crucial free throws in overtime and achieved a season-high five three-pointers, along with six rebounds, two assists, and a steal. "Bryant poured in a game-high 28 points," noted postgame reports.
Kendall Bostic contributed her fourth consecutive double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while setting up a season-most five assists. Adalia McKenzie was pivotal in overtime, adding four points and making a decisive block to secure the win.
Brynn Shoup-Hill scored all of her ten points in the latter stages of regulation and overtime while also collecting nine rebounds. Berry Wallace added seven points from the bench.
Rutgers began strong with a 7-2 run, but Illinois quickly responded to tie the game at 9-9. Despite trailing by as much as five early in the second half, Illinois managed to reclaim the lead before ending regulation tied at 61. The Scarlet Knights initially led in overtime, but Illinois outscored them to seal the win.
Illinois' head coach Shauna Green remarked on their resilience: "The Illini overcame an 11-point deficit...tied for the second-largest comeback."
The Illini will face No. 14 Maryland next at XFINITY Center on Sunday afternoon.
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