Jan. 7, 2017 Box Score
CHAMPAIGN, ILL. - The Rutgers women's basketball team saw its two-game win streak halted with a 78-41 setback to Illinois on Saturday afternoon at the State Farm Center.
The Scarlet Knights dropped to a Big Ten record of 2-2 and an overall mark of 5-12. The Fighting Illini improved to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in the league.
Rutgers finished with three Scarlet Knights scoring in double digits with junior guards Shrita Parker and Kandiss Barber, and sophomore forward Desiree Keeling each contributing 11 points. Keeling finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the contest.
Illinois found success from the three-point range shooting 57.1% (12-of-21) with 12 made three-pointers. Petra Holesinska led the way with a game-high 21 points, including a career-best five three-pointers. Brandi Beasley followed with 13 points, while Megan McNicholas added in 12 points. Alex Wittinger posted 10 points to round out the double figure scorers.
After Illinois jumped to a 7-2 lead to start the contest, Parker connected on a three-pointer to cut the margin to 7-5. From there, however, the Fighting Illini used momentum and success from 3-point range to go on to lead by as many as 10 at the end of the first quarter, 22-12.
Despite a low scoring second quarter, Illinois continued to grow its lead as the RU offense continued to search for a rhythm. Holesinska contributed all eight points for the Illini in the frame, remaining hot from downtown with her fourth and fifth three-pointers of the game. Illinois closed the stanza with a 30-16 advantage to bring into halftime.
The Fighting Illini held control throughout the second half of the contest by maintaining success from the 3-point range. The Scarlet Knights found their highest scoring quarter in the fourth, being edged 23-17 in the final frame.
Rutgers remains on the road with its next stop at Nebraska on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. (ET).
KNIGHT NOTES:
- Three Scarlet Knights finished in double figures with Shrita Parker, Kandiss Barber and Desiree Keeling netting 11 points. It was the sixth game of the year with three or more players in double figures.
- Keeling was just short of her second career double-double ending the afternoon with 11 points and nine rebounds. It was the seventh time she led RU on the glass this season.
- Parker reached double figures for the fourth-straight game and continued her free throw shooting prowess going 4-of-5 from the line. She is now 34-of-37 from the line and connecting at a 91.9 percent clip.
- Barber hauled in seven boards to go along with her 11 points having grabbed five or more boards for the 11th time on the season.
- Jordan Wallace missed Saturday's game with a sprained ankle and is listed as day-to-day.
- The 12 3-point field goals made by the Fighting Illini are the most by any RU opponent this season. The previous high was nine captured by Elon and Virginia.
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-RU-
