Illinois overwhelms Jackson State in wire-to-wire home victory

SB Nation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A dominant showing at State Farm Center.

Illinois returned home and left no doubt, dismantling Jackson State on Friday night in Champaign. The Illini controlled every phase of the game

from the opening tip, rolling to an emphatic 86-43 victory behind balanced scoring, active defense and steady offensive execution.

Illinois set the tone immediately in the opening quarter. The Illini offense flowed early, finding clean looks inside and out as Cearah Parchment and Berry Wallace got going. Jackson State struggled to keep pace with Illinois’ movement and physicality, and the Illini jumped out to a commanding 25-5 advantage after one. The defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers and limiting the Lady Tigers to rushed possessions throughout the quarter.

The second quarter saw more of the same. Illinois continued to rotate bodies and maintain intensity, with Destiny Jackson facilitating and Gretchen Dolan providing steady scoring. Jackson State briefly found a rhythm, but Illinois answered every run. Wallace attacked the glass, Parchment knocked down timely shots, and the Illini went into halftime firmly in control, 47-25.

Illinois never let up out of the break. The third quarter featured crisp ball movement and interior dominance as Leticia Vasconcelos imposed her will in the paint. Dolan and Wallace continued to pressure the defense, while the Illini defense forced difficult shots and limited second chances. Illinois extended its lead to 64-42 heading into the final frame.

Depth took over in the fourth quarter. Maddie Webber provided an offensive spark off the bench, Aaliyah Guyton attacked the rim and drew contact, and Vasconcelos controlled the boards. Illinois’ bench kept the tempo high, closing the game on a decisive run as the defense held Jackson State to just one point in the final quarter.

The Illini wrapped up a complete 86-43 victory, leading by as many as 43 points. Wallace finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Dolan added 12 points. Parchment contributed 11 points and 7 boards, and Vasconcelos anchored the interior with 6 points, 6 rebounds and a block. Illinois shot efficiently, dominated the glass and turned defense into offense all night long — a composed and commanding performance from start to finish.