CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Fighting Illini women’s basketball returns to the State Farm Center tonight to begin a five-game homestand. The Illini will host the Bradley Braves at 6 p.m. Tonight’s game will feature Most Valuable Professor Night, celebrating the academic achievements of student-athletes.

Illinois’ Strong Start Under Shauna Green

The Fighting Illini are off to a strong start this season, having earned a win over a ranked opponent for the third consecutive year under head coach Shauna Green. The team has already posted impressive wins, including their season-opening triumphs over NCAA Tournament teams like Florida State and Marquette. Illinois, currently ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25, will look to extend its dominance on home court, where the Illini have won nine consecutive games at State Farm Center, the fourth-longest streak in program history.

Illinois is powered by its senior class, including Kendall Bostic, who has already cemented her place in program history with over 1,000 career points and rebounds. Joining Bostic are fellow seniors Makira Cook, Genesis Bryant, Adalia McKenzie, and Brynn Shoup-Hill, who have a combined 393 career starts and 535 games played. Together, these leaders have formed the backbone of Illinois’ high-powered offense and tough defense.

Bradley Braves: A formidable opponent

Bradley enters Thursday’s game with a solid 5-2 record, having won four of their last five contests. The Braves, from the Missouri Valley Conference, have already notched road victories over Central Michigan and Chicago State this season. The Illini lead the all-time series 11-4, with the most recent win coming in a 74-62 victory over the Braves back in November 2017. Illinois will look to extend its dominance over Bradley and continue building momentum as they enter the thick of the Big Ten season.

Following Thursday’s matchup, Illinois will remain home for a string of games, including contests against Southern Indiana, Southern, and Oregon later this month. After the homestand, the Illini will return to Big Ten action in early January.