CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Rutgers (13-2, 3-1 Big Ten) never trailed en route to earning their second straight road win, defeating Illinois (9-6, 0-4) 72-51 at the State Farm Center. The Scarlet Knights, who led by as much as 36 in the game, have now won eight of their past nine games.
Arella Guirantes led the Scarlet Knights with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists. She was one of four players to score in double-figures, joined by Gilles (12), Sanders (11), and Mack (10). Rutgers made a season-high 12 three-pointers and shot 47.5% while holding Illinois 30.4 percent.
The Scarlet Knights grabbed command of the game right out of the gate. The Scarlet Knights opened the game on a 17-3 run as the team capitalized on early three-pointers from
Khadaizha Sanders and
Arella Guirantes. After one quarter, the lead had swelled to 27-11. In the frame, RU made four three pointers, and held the home team to 3-of-16 shooting.
In the second quarter,
Danielle Migliore,
Mael Gilles and Sanders continued RU's prowess from deep. After a lower scoring second quarter, the visitors led 36-26 at the intermission.
The Scarlet Knights started the third quarter with a 14-0 run, holding the Illini scoreless for nearly six minutes. RU outscored the home team 26-2 in the quarter with a flurry of points to take a commanding lead.
The Illini fought back with a brief burst in the final frame. However, it was too late to cut into the margin, as the Scarlet Knights finished out the victory.
Rutgers will return home for their next contest, hosting Nebraska on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Postgame Notes
- Rutgers made 12 three-pointers, tying a season-high and marking their third time this season making 12 three-pointers.
- It was their third time this season making double-digit threes (SH: 12)
- Arella Guirantes has scored in double-figures in every game this season. The Big Ten's leading scorer, averaging 19.7 points per game entering the contest, bettered that mark with 21 points.
- It marked her sixth game this season with 20+ points and third straight.
- Khadaizha Sanders reached double-figures for the fourth straight game with 11 points.
- Tekia Mack had 10 points, her 12th time in double figures through 14 games.
- Tekia Mack tied her career high in blocks with two rejections.
- Mael Gilles made a career-high four three-pointers.
- Tyia Singleton had eight points on 4-4 shooting, setting career-highs for points and field goals made.
- Alexis Morris scored her first points as a Scarlet Knight.
- Rutgers' 75 total points was their most scored in a Big Ten game this season.
