AUSTIN, TX (Chambana Today) – The Fighting Illini secured their first NCAA Tournament win since 2000 with a 66-57 victory over No. 23 Creighton in the first round at Moody Center on Saturday night.
Illinois dominated most of the game, leading for the final 34 minutes and earning their fourth ranked win of the season. By halftime, Illinois maintained a 31-26 lead, shooting 48% from the field. Genesis Bryant led the charge with 17 points, including two 3-pointers and six critical free throws down the stretch. She also contributed four assists and one rebound.
Kendall Bostic, who made history with her 54th career double-double, grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds, the most by an Illini in an NCAA Tournament game. Bostic also recorded 12 points, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. Adalia McKenzie added 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Berry Wallace, in her NCAA Tournament debut, scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds. Brynn Shoup-Hill played a pivotal role in the third quarter, hitting two 3-pointers that shifted the momentum and finished with nine points.
With this victory, Illinois advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face No. 5 Texas on Monday.