CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois women’s basketball team raced to an 18-point halftime lead, then held on for a 72-65 win over Miami (OH) on Sunday at State Farm Center.
The Illini got 31 points off the bench to improve to 2-0 on the season, led by 14 points from freshman guard Jayla Oden. Sara Anastasieska and De’Myla Brown each scored 12 points.
Illinois led the game from start to finish, actually taking a 1-0 lead before the opening tip. Officials assessed the Redhawks an administrative technical foul during pregame, and Aaliyah Nye made 1-of-2 free throws.
The Illini led 18-12 after the first quarter, before stretching that to a 40-22 lead at the half. Miami would outscore Illinois 22-11 in the third period to stay fairly close the rest of the way.
Peyton Scott led the Redhawks with 22 points. Maddi Cluse added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Next for Illinois is a home game with SIU-Edwardsville on Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 7pm.