The Illinois women’s basketball team continued their successful foreign tour with a dominant 106-42 victory over Amilla Peristeriou in Greece. This win marked their second consecutive victory on the trip, bringing their record to 2-0. Head coach Shauna Green maintained her perfect record in foreign tour games, now standing at 5-0.
Leading the charge for the Fighting Illini was Gretchen Dolan, who put up an impressive 21 points on 9-for-12 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Kendall Bostic contributed a double-double performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end. Freshman Hayven Smith also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Jasmine Brown-Hagger and Brynn Shoup-Hill rounded out the scoring in double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The team showcased excellent ball movement, tallying 31 assists on 44 made field goals for a remarkable 70.5 assist percentage. Makira Cook led the team with 10 assists, while Cori Allen added six more. Despite their dominant performance, no player logged more than 23 minutes of playing time, showcasing the depth of the Illini roster.
Illinois started the game with the same lineup as in Italy, featuring Genesis Bryant, Cook, Adalia McKenzie, Shoup-Hill, and Bostic. This lineup quickly established a commanding 18-0 lead before being substituted out in the first quarter. By the end of the opening frame, the Illini held a 29-4 advantage.
The team’s offensive prowess was on full display in the second quarter, where they scored 34 points to extend their lead to 63-20 at halftime. Shooting 6-for-10 from beyond the arc in the quarter, the Illini showcased their scoring versatility.
Heading into the final quarter with a comfortable 80-32 lead, Illinois closed out the game with a 26-point fourth quarter to secure the 106-42 victory. The team’s dominant performance was a testament to their skill and chemistry on the court.
Off the court, the Illini enjoyed a cultural experience in Greece, completing a walking tour through the Acropolis and its museum in Athens before heading to Glyfada for the final leg of their trip. With an island-hopping boat tour and a free day on the agenda, the team will continue to bond and explore the beauty of Greece before returning home.
Overall, the Illinois women’s basketball team’s foreign tour has been a success both on and off the court, showcasing their talent and camaraderie as they prepare for the upcoming season.