Webber scores 16, Illinois topples Western Kentucky

SB Nation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In front of a sparse Thanksgiving Eve crowd, Illinois took down Western Kentucky 70-41 Wednesday night at the State Farm Center.

After the team’s biggest win of the season over Florida

State on Sunday, the Illini came out sluggish to start the game. It’s hard to blame them either. A 6 p.m. tip-off the night before Thanksgiving is rough.

There was some uncharacteristic shooting to start, with the team going 18% from deep at halftime. The Illini (5-1) picked it up in the second half, finishing the game shooting 30% from three and 42% from the field.

It also helps when you play elite defense. The orange and blue held the Hilltoppers (2-4) to 12% behind the arc. Western Kentucky also couldn’t hold onto the ball offensively, finishing with 25 turnovers.

What really got the wheels turning for the Illini was Maddie Webber. The junior transfer from Villanova had been quiet for the start of the season, but played well Wednesday, finishing with 16 points and a big momentum-shifting shot.

Webber hit a buzzer-beater three to end the half, putting the Illini up four. She was also the only Illini to record a three-pointer in the first half. It really felt like she was flying under the radar in the first five games of the season, and it seems like this was her breakout game.

She shot an efficient 6-of-9 from the floor, along with a pair of assists and rebounds. Besides Webber, Berry Wallace had a good game for the Illini, also finishing with 16 points, to pair with some strong defense.