Jan. 9, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Northwestern (4-10, 0-4 Big Ten) women's basketball team dropped an, 88-65, decision to intrastate rival Illinois (7-8, 2-1 Big Ten) at Welsh-Ryan arena Tuesday night.
The `Cats were led by Tami Sears' 16 points and seven rebounds. Michelle Zylstra added 10 points.
Turnovers again plagued NU, with 23 giveaways yielding 25 Illinois points.
The `Cats stayed close in the first half behind a 5-for-6 start from long distance, including 3-pointers on two consecutive possessions from Zylstra. Ashley Messenger gave NU an 18-17 lead with a trey, but the Illini took control with a 13-2 run. Illinois led 47-33 at the break. After the break, Illinois dominated and cruised to the victory.
Anne O'Neil led the Illini offense with 17 points. O'Neil was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
The Wildcats travel to Purdue on Sunday for a 1 p.m. (CDT) tip.