CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Efficient 3-point shooting powered Illinois to an 81–69 victory over North Texas on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Center, as the Fighting Illini continued one of the best starts in program history.
Illinois knocked down 11 of 17 shots from beyond the arc, shooting 64.7% from long range to improve to 10–1 on the season. The start ties the best mark in program history and represents the program’s strongest opening stretch in more than 40 years.
Berry Wallace led the way with a career-high 28 points and nine rebounds, pacing three Illini in double figures. Wallace was perfect from the field in the first half, going 4-for-4, and made her presence felt on the glass by grabbing four offensive rebounds.
Gretchen Dolan added 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Maddie Webber provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Illini set the tone early, using defensive pressure to force seven North Texas turnovers in the first quarter. Illinois turned those takeaways into six points and closed the opening period with a 16–9 lead after a late 7–0 run.
Illinois stretched its advantage in the second quarter, building a 33–22 lead before another 7–0 surge pushed the margin to 40–22. North Texas trimmed the deficit late in the half, but the Illini still went into the break ahead 42–28, aided by six made 3-pointers on seven attempts.
The Fighting Illini maintained control after halftime, extending the lead to as many as 20 points late in the third quarter. Illinois entered the final period up 63–44 after connecting on three more shots from deep.
North Texas made a push in the fourth, but Illinois sealed the win with second-chance opportunities, scoring seven points off five offensive rebounds in the final quarter.
Illinois will close its nonconference schedule at State Farm Center on Dec. 19, hosting Jackson State at 6 p.m.