TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A statement win on the road.
Illinois went south for its toughest early season test, defeating Florida State in Tallahassee on Sunday afternoon. The road environment was no deterrent to the Illini, who dominated the game, from early to late, resulting in an 86-63 victory.
The pace set by the opening quarter established the tempo and efficiency for the remainder of the game. Illinois scored on consecutive possessions — thanks to drives from Gretchen Dolan and a clean jumper from Cearah
Parchment — but Florida State seemed to stay in striking distance and led after one, 24-22. The Illini offense had quick spurts, but the Seminoles matched them early.
The second quarter was heavy on Illinois. Dolan ignited a fire and scored multiple buckets as Wallace settled in and Parchment knocked down a corner 3 to take the lead. Florida State struggled to maintain an offensive rhythm and went almost three minutes without a field goal. By halftime, Illinois took control and led 42-34, with the team’s first double-digit lead of the afternoon earlier in that quarter.
Illinois, in a way, retained full control out of the break. Dolan got the half opened really strong and Maddie Webber put away a transition three that made the game going. The Seminoles tried to get behind Sole Williams, who drilled a couple of threes in the third, but Illinois always did. Wallace connected on consecutive three points, Vasconcelos dominated inside, and the Illini went into the fourth with a 61-49 lead.
It was the Illini depth in the fourth quarter. Webber took her third three of the game, Aaliyah Guyton showed her physicality by getting to the free-throw line 4 times, and Vasconcelos controlled the paint with put backs and blocks. Illinois’ ball movement was sharp, and the defense led Florida State into hurried looks throughout the afternoon.
The Illini wrapped up a complete 86-63 victory, pulling the lead to as many as 26. Dolan was the offensive leader, leading with 25 points (on 11-for-19 shooting), while Wallace added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Webber provided 13 off the bench, and Vasconcelos settled the interior with 8 points and 9 boards. Illinois had shot the ball 50 percent from the field and 53 percent from three, and it required 15 Seminole turnovers. It was one of Illinois’ best performances of the season — efficient, balanced, calm from the opening tip through the final buzzer.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Maddie Webber attempts to get the offense going by knocking down an early three.
Vasconcelos with one of her 9 rebounds, and here with a nice putback as Illinois began to seperate.
Gretchen Dolan gets an and-1 to go en route to her 25-point performance.
STAT STUFFERS
- Illinois shot 50% from the field.
- Illinois went 53% with three point range shots.
- Illinois scored 22 points through turnovers.
- Illinois scored 40 points in the paint.
- Florida State turned the ball over 15 times.
UP NEXT
Illinois returns home to host Western Kentucky at State Farm Center.
Tipoff is scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will air on B1G+.
