The woes continue for the Oregon women’s basketball team as they lose their eighth game of the season, now 0-8, to Illinois 80-62 in Champaign Wednesday evening. With the win, Illinois improved to 6-4 on the season. @@http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=236&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=205824114@@
Freshman Jillian Alleyne had yet another stellar performance with 24 points and 16 rebounds, giving her a third double-double on the year.
Jordan Loera was the only other Duck in double figures with 11 points. The two new walk-on freshman, Katie Gruys and Chloe Stiles saw their first minutes on the year. Stiles finished with eight points while Gruys went 0-5 from the field.
Illinois played an impressive game with Karisma Penn putting up 17 points along with 12 boards. Penn was one of five Illini in double figures.
Turning Point. Nearly three minutes into the contest Oregon enjoyed a short lived six-point lead, but the Illini quickly took to the three point line and just five minutes later had a ten point advantage with a score of 23-13. The Ducks could hardly see a light at the end of the tunnel from that point on.
Two main factors in the game were the Illini going to the line 26 more times than the Ducks, as well as forcing the Ducks into 22 turnovers. Although it was less than the 28 Oregon committed in their previous game against Nevada, it led to 31 points for Illinois.
On the Horizon. The Ducks return home still in search of their first win. Their next oppertunity will come against the 6-2 Fresno State Bulldogs. With the Ducks yet to win a home game and the Bulldogs yet to get a victory on the road, one of the two will have to give. The game will be on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Matthew Knight Arena.