EAST LANSING, Mich., Ill. (Chambana Today) — A strong second-half push and a pair of 20-point performances were not enough for the Illinois women’s basketball team Sunday afternoon, as the Fighting Illini fell 81–75 to No. 24/19 Michigan State on the road.
Illinois (13–2, 3–1 Big Ten) placed three players in double figures and outscored the Spartans over the final two quarters, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. The loss snapped the Illini’s 11-game winning streak, though the team still matched the best 15-game start in program history.
Maddie Webber and Berry Wallace led the way with 22 points apiece. Wallace added six rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal while playing all 40 minutes. Gretchen Dolan chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds, continuing her steady production in conference play.
Illinois shot efficiently from long range, knocking down 10 three-pointers on 23 attempts. Webber and Wallace each connected on four shots from beyond the arc, helping fuel the late comeback attempt.
The Illini struggled to find rhythm early, trailing 23–18 after the first quarter despite eight points from Wallace. Illinois briefly took control early in the second quarter with a 6–0 run, highlighted by an Aaliyah Guyton three-pointer, but Michigan State responded with a surge to take a 44–32 lead into halftime.
The Spartans extended the margin to 15 points in the third quarter before Illinois responded with another run to cut the deficit to nine. By the end of the period, the Illini had pulled within 58–50 and began to gain momentum.
That momentum carried into the fourth quarter, as Illinois continued to chip away. Webber scored 17 of her season-high 22 points in the final frame, including a key three-pointer that cut the Michigan State lead to 75–72 with 35 seconds remaining. The Spartans, however, answered down the stretch to seal the victory.
Destiny Jackson finished with six points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, marking her second double-digit rebounding performance of the season, both against Big Ten opponents.
