CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Five Fighting Illini scored in double digits as Illinois rolled past the Jackson State Lady Tigers 86-43 Friday at State Farm Center. The win improves Illinois to 11-1 on the season, marking its best start in more than 40 years, matching the 1981-82 team that also began 11-1. The Illini remain undefeated at home, 9-0.
Aaliyah Guyton led the Illini off the bench with 13 points in her first game since Dec. 2, while Maddie Webber contributed 12 points and four assists. Berry Wallace added 12 points and seven rebounds. Illinois dominated the boards, 41-27, with Wallace and Cearah Parchment grabbing seven rebounds each, and forced 14 turnovers, converting those into 24 points. Parchment also led the team with three steals.
Illinois set the tone early with a 14-0 run, holding Jackson State scoreless for nearly six minutes. The first quarter ended 25-5, and the Illini extended the lead to 47-10 by halftime — the Lady Tigers’ lowest single-half point total of the season. Illinois continued to pull away in the second half, scoring effectively in the paint and hitting multiple three-pointers, including late baskets from Webber that capped a 9-0 run.
The Fighting Illini travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, for their second Big Ten matchup against Purdue on Sunday, Dec. 28. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Big Ten Network.