Illinois Women's Basketball Wrap Up

CHAMPAIGN- Inflated turnover totals and shooting percentages reigned supreme Sunday as the Illini women’s basketball team rebounded from their season opening loss and won their home opener.
Before an Assembly Hall crowd of 2012, the young Illini squad squeezed the Siena Saints for 34 turnovers. Those ball handling miscues proved to be the difference as Illinois scored 49 points off turnovers and won 85-53.
“We want to make that an Illinois staple,” Illini coach Jolette Law said. “Tough defense creating attacking offense. We want to run.”
Benefiting from 26 fast break points the Illini shot 62.5 percent from the field. Freshman Karisma Penn led the Illini with 18 points on 8 for 13 shooting from the field. Fellow frosh Adrienne Godbold chipped in with 14 points. Senior Lacey Simpson stood out defensively with 6 of the Illini’s 18 steals.
An up and down game of extended runs, the Illini put the game away with a 22-3 run to open the second half. A 50-36 game at halftime after a buzzer beating put back by Senior Jenna Smith, the Illini held the Saints to 13% shooting in the second half.
“Illinois was what we expected,” Siena coach Gina Castelli said. “They took away everything we wanted to do.”
However, the game was not perfect for the Illini. The team’s youth showed with a majority of the 21 errors coming unforced. The team also shot an anemic 41.7 percent from the free throw line.
“I was shocked,” coach Law said. “We practice pressure free throws every practice.”
The game also featured a homecoming for senior Saint Allie Lindemann. The Champaign product hit a 3-pointer with 4:24 left in the first half that netted cheers from both teams fans.
“It was good to come home,” Lindemann said. “I always wanted to play on this floor.” She finished with 7 points.
Up next for the Illini is a Wednesday home game with the Central Michigan Chippewas. The Saints will look for their first win Friday as they host Eastern Michigan in Loundonville, New York.

TBG