CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini suffered their first loss of the season Wednesday night, falling 76-53 to No. 14 Kentucky in the finale of the Music City Classic. With the loss, Illinois drops to 6-1 on the season while Kentucky improves to 7-0.
Illinois closed the first quarter with an 11-2 run to lead 18-14 after 10 minutes. Adalia McKenzie spearheaded the Illini offense early, scoring eight points in the opening frame, while the team shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. At halftime, the game remained tied at 28-28 after Illinois managed to neutralize a strong Kentucky push in the second quarter. Balanced scoring and defensive pressure kept the Illini competitive through the first half, despite early shooting struggles.
In the fourth, the Wildcats unleashed an 18-0 run, sealing the game and handing Illinois its first loss of the season.
Adalia McKenzie led Illinois with 18 points, going 10-for-12 from the free-throw line. She added six rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, and three assists. Kendall Bostic notched her fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Bostic, making her 100th consecutive start, tied for fourth in program history with her 38th career double-double. Makira Cook contributed 11 points, six free throws, and a steal, scoring in double figures for the fourth time this season.
The Illini dominated at the free-throw line, outscoring Kentucky 20-1, but struggled with shooting consistency throughout the game. Illinois shot just 32.7% from the field compared to Kentucky’s 45.6% and was outrebounded 48-37. Despite forcing 10 Kentucky turnovers and holding the Wildcats to just 5-for-28 shooting from beyond the arc, Illinois couldn’t overcome a late-game offensive surge from Kentucky.
Illinois faces Canisius on Monday at 5 p.m., when head coach Shauna Green returns to her alma mater, while sophomore Gretchen Dolan plays in her hometown.