Feb. 5, 2004
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EVANSTON, Ill. - Rebounding made Illinois unbeatable on Thursday night as the Fighting Illini edged the Wildcats 48-28 in that category, including 21 offensive boards--over double that of NU, to take the game 76-52. Northwestern fell to 7-14, 0-10 in the Big Ten with the loss to its in-state rival.
"I think we gave them too many opportunities," said head coach June Olkowski. "We gave up 21 offensive rebounds, and in the first half we had nine turnovers for no reason. They were very good penetrators and they could elevate."
Four Illinois players scored in double digits, including Tiffanie Guthrie who scored a game-high 26. Cindy Dallas became Illinois' all-time rebounding leader with her eight boards.
Thursday's game also marked the return of junior co-captain Samantha McComb for the Wildcats, who has been out of the lineup since December 28 at the Loyola Marymount tournament. The guard scored six points and added three assists.
"Sam feels a lot of pressure and that comes from being a captain," said Olkowski. "She is going to help us, but she needs to let the game come to her. She was a little rusty and a little tentative, but it was great to have her on the court. It gives us another person we can go to on the bench to rotate people."
Sarah Kwasinski led the 'Cats in all major categories. The junior center scored 12 points and six boards, as well as a game-high five assists and four blocks. Melissa Culver was the other NU player in double figures, chipping in 11.
The Wildcats, who lead the Big Ten in 3-pointers averaged per game with 6.0, tallied seven in the loss. Culver accounted for three beyond the arc and senior Michelle Zylstra added two.
The Fighting Illini led throughout the game, scoring the first basket at 19:24. Down by 10 halfway through the first, the 'Cats came back to within three but fell victim to foul trouble and never got closer than nine in the remainder of the contest.
"Every time we knocked on the door, we ended up giving them an offensive rebound or a three-point play," said Olkowski. "We also had some fouls away from the ball that put them in a one-and-one situation early. That really hurt us. You can't give people those types of opportunities."
Northwestern returns to the road vs. Michigan State this weekend. Game time is set for 2 p.m. EST on Sunday.