WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Genesis Bryant led all scorers with 31 points, but the Illinois women's basketball team fell to the No. 16/14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 79-68, from Entertainment & Sports Arena on Saturday. The game was a part of the second annual Citi Shamrock Classic, hosted this year from the nation's capital.
Bryant's 31-point effort led three Fighting Illini in double-digit scoring. Adalia McKenzie added a season-high 17 points and eight rebounds while Makira Cook delivered 14 points and four assists in her first action of the season.
The Illinois defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's contest, forcing 18 Notre Dame turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 14 points on the other end of the floor. Kendall Bostic led the way individually for the Fighting Illini with two steals and added a block.
How It Happened
A slow start put the Illini behind early as they trailed 21-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Illinois chipped away at that deficit and pulled within 28-27 thanks to a 6-0 run. The Fighting Irish then came roaring back to take a 37-27 lead heading into halftime with the final nine points of the quarter.
The Illini fell behind by as many as 20 points at 70-50 before outscoring Notre Dame 18-9 down the stretch for the final margin of 79-68. Illinois moves to 2-2 on the season while the Irish are now 3-1.
Illinois returns to State Farm Center following Thanksgiving and will host a five-game homestand.
Score at Halftime: 27-37 (11-16)
Score after 3rd Quarter: 45-61 (18-24)
Final score: 68-79 (23-18)
Bryant's 31-point effort led three Fighting Illini in double-digit scoring. Adalia McKenzie added a season-high 17 points and eight rebounds while Makira Cook delivered 14 points and four assists in her first action of the season.
The Illinois defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's contest, forcing 18 Notre Dame turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 14 points on the other end of the floor. Kendall Bostic led the way individually for the Fighting Illini with two steals and added a block.
How It Happened
A slow start put the Illini behind early as they trailed 21-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Illinois chipped away at that deficit and pulled within 28-27 thanks to a 6-0 run. The Fighting Irish then came roaring back to take a 37-27 lead heading into halftime with the final nine points of the quarter.
The Illini fell behind by as many as 20 points at 70-50 before outscoring Notre Dame 18-9 down the stretch for the final margin of 79-68. Illinois moves to 2-2 on the season while the Irish are now 3-1.
Illinois returns to State Farm Center following Thanksgiving and will host a five-game homestand.
GAME NOTES
Player Notes:- Genesis Bryant led all scorers with 31 points – her second 30-point game of the season and her career.
- Bryant connected on three 3-pointers - a season high.
- Makira Cook made her first appearance of the 2023-24 season. The senior finished with 14 points and four assists in 32 minutes of action.
- Adalia McKenzie scored a season-high 17 points while grabbing a team-best eight rebounds.
- Notre Dame won the tip and became the only opponent this season to score first against the Illini. The Irish scored on their opening possession.
- Three Illini scored double digits as Genesis Bryant led the way with 31, Adalia McKenzie tallied 17, and Makira Cook delivered 14.
- Illinois went on a 6-0 run twice during the game – once in both the second and fourth quarters.
- The Illini defense forced 18 Notre Dame turnovers, marking four-straight games with 18 or more.
- Starters: Makira Cook, Genesis Bryant, Adalia McKenzie, Brynn Shoup-Hill and Kendall Bostic.
- This lineup is now 0-1 on the season.
- Shauna Green is now:
- 24-12 at Illinois
- 151-62 as a Division I coach
- 180-87 overall
- Illinois vs. Notre Dame record: 4-2 (sixth meeting)
- Shauna Green coaching record vs. Notre Dame: 0-1
- Illinois is now 1-1 when wearing orange uniforms
- The Illini are now 1-2 in games before 5 p.m.
- The Illini are now 2-2 in November
Score at Halftime: 27-37 (11-16)
Score after 3rd Quarter: 45-61 (18-24)
Final score: 68-79 (23-18)
