COLUMBIA, Mo. (Chambana Today) – Behind a 21-point performance from Gretchen Dolan, the Fighting Illini clinched a hard-fought 70-62 victory over Missouri in the annual McBride Home Braggin’ Rights showdown on Wednesday night.
Illinois (9-1) never trailed, leading for 38 minutes and 3 seconds, and extended its strong start to the season, now boasting its best record through 10 games since the 1981-82 campaign.
The Illini’s defense was pivotal, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 18 points. Destiny Jackson was a standout with nine points, a career-high nine assists, five rebounds, and a career-most five steals, while Cearah Parchment added nine points and eight rebounds.
Maddie Webber also contributed off the bench, scoring 11 points with three rebounds and a steal.
In a physical game, Illinois set the tone early, starting with an 8-0 run and holding Missouri without a field goal for the opening 7:24. By the break, Illinois led 34-26.
The Tigers (6-5) made a push in the second half, cutting the Illini’s lead to just three points after a 5-0 run. However, Illinois answered with a late 10-2 stretch, sealing the victory.
With the win, Illinois heads back to State Farm Center for its Holiday Game against North Texas on Sunday at 2 p.m.