WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A statement made in hostile territory.
Illinois walked into one of the Big Ten’s toughest road environments on Sunday morning and walked out with a signature conference victory. Behind timely shot-making, toughness on the glass and poise down the stretch, the Illini knocked off Purdue 83-73 at Mackey Arena to move to 2-0 in Big Ten play.
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From the opening tip, Illinois (12-1) showed it was ready for the moment. The Illini matched Purdue’s physicality early, trading baskets in a fast-paced first quarter. Berry Wallace set the tone offensively, attacking off the dribble and knocking down shots from the perimeter, while Cearah Parchment battled inside to keep Illinois steady. After 10 minutes, Illinois held a narrow 28-18 advantage.
The second quarter tested Illinois’ resolve. Purdue responded with a push of its own, finding success inside and cutting into the lead. Illinois weathered the run behind strong guard play from Destiny Jackson and efficient scoring from Gretchen Dolan. The Illini continued to get to the free-throw line, a key factor all afternoon, and carried a slim 40-38 lead into halftime in a tightly contested game.
Illinois came out of the break with renewed energy. The third quarter belonged to the Illini offense, which found rhythm through ball movement and shot creation. Dolan was aggressive, Wallace stayed hot, and Parchment continued to draw contact in the paint. Illinois stretched the lead to eight by the end of the quarter, heading into the fourth with a 56-48 cushion.
Purdue refused to go quietly. The Boilermakers made one final push in the fourth, trimming the deficit and forcing Illinois to execute late. That’s exactly what the Illini did. Wallace delivered timely baskets, Parchment calmly knocked down free throws, and Maddie Webber provided a spark off the bench with key scoring. Illinois’ composure at the line and ability to get stops sealed the road win in the final minutes.
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Illinois finished off the victory with balance and toughness, marking its first victory at Mackey Arena since 2015. Wallace led the way with 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Dolan added 19 points on efficient shooting. Parchment chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds, and Webber scored 12 off the bench to give Illinois a critical lift. The Illini shot 83% from the free-throw line, won the rebounding battle, and turned defense into points when it mattered most.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Illinois responds to Purdue’s second-quarter run with back-to-back scores to regain momentum.
Dolan takes over offensively in the third quarter, helping Illinois build separation.
Wallace and Parchment close the game at the free-throw line in the final minutes.
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STAT STUFFERS
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Illinois shot 38% from beyond the arc
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The Illini racked up 10 offensive rebounds and won the rebound battle, 35-26
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Illinois led for 94% of the game, with its largest lead being 14
UP NEXT
Illinois returns home to State Farm Center as Big Ten play continues to host the seventh-ranked Maryland Terrapins.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan 1, and will air on BTN.
