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Big Ten tourney: Day 2

Observations from Day 2 of the Big Ten tourney

Recent "On Women's Basketball" entries

Big Ten tourney: Day 1

Jenna's draft status

By Tony Bleill

Sunday, November 15, 2009 6:01 PM CDT

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FINAL: Illinois 85, Siena 53

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois: offensive juggernaut?

Jolette Law's Illini women, who never scored more than 66 points in a game last season, put on an offensive show Sunday at the Assembly Hall, shooting 62.5 percent in an 85-53 win against Siena.

The UI's shooting percentage tied the fourth-best mark in school history. Two missed shots in the final 20 seconds cost the Illini the school record.

Karisma Penn led the Illini with 18 points. Adrienne GodBold added 14 points, and Jenna Smith chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Illini took advantage of 34 Siena turnovers.

About the only misstep offensively was atrocious free throw shooting. The Illini shot 10 of 24 from the line.

The Illini played without two freshmen. Guard Amber Moore injured her knee late in Friday's game and sat on the bench in street clothes. Forward Destiny Williams was not with the team on Sunday due to a coach's decision, a UI spokesman said.

Saints guard Allie Lindemann from Champaign Central scored seven points on 3-of-6 shooting.

The Illini play host to Central Michigan on Wednesday.

HALFTIME: Illinois 50, Siena 36

If you don't quite recognize this Illinois team, you're forgiven. No one really does.

The Illini made 18 of their first 24 shots en route to a 16-point cushion against Siena on Sunday, settling for a 50-36 lead at the half. The game has had a frenetic feel, the Illini taking advantage of 15 Siena turnovers. For perspective: A year ago, the Illini failed to score more than 50 points in 12 ENTIRE games.

Freshman Karisma Penn continued her strong recent play, scoring 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting. Freshman guard Adrienne GodBold has nine points, and Jenna Smith has eight points and eight rebounds.

The UI's sticking point: Turnovers. After making 28 in Friday's OT loss at Temple, the Illini have 10 in the first half.

Siena guard Allie Lindemann, a former News-Gazette Area Player of the Year from Champaign Central, has five points on 2-for-4 shooting, 1 of 3 on threes. The Saints have stayed close by hitting 5 of 9 threes.

PREGAME:

Not exactly the way Illinois wanted to start the season, but ...

After squandering a 16-point lead with 5:51 left in Friday's season-opening loss at Temple, the Illini face Siena today shorthanded. Freshman guard Amber Moore injured a knee in Friday's OT and won't play today. Freshman forward Destiny Williams is not with the team today because of a coach's decision, a UI spokesman said.

So there's that.

Otherwise, today's game marks a neat homecoming for Siena guard Allie Lindemann, a former Champaign Central star. She's a senior starter for the Saints and a preseason third team All-MAAC selection. She averaged 10 points a game last season and is a three-point shooter that the Illini will have to account for.

As mentioned above, check my Twitter feed for frequent in-game updates.

Comments

Once again top recruit Destiny Williams doesnt play because of a coachs decision. What the heck does that mean? Ihope it doesnt mean that she actually isnt a member of the team any longer.

Hey Tony, i Hope you ask coach Law whats actually going on with that situation.

Posted by dave1956 on November 15, 2009 at 6:44 PM | Suggest Removal

Yes, I hope to find out about what is going on with Destiny too. All the fans are talking about it; there is definitely "an elephant in the living room", so to speak. There is already a lot of worry about losing her, as Dave said.

Posted by Donna on November 15, 2009 at 8:44 PM | Suggest Removal

You may have already read my comment on Twitter, sorry to repeat myself, but I think this is very important. I think that we, the women's BB fans, need to get assertive, and get assertive in numbers.

Last year, the Illini were on the Big Ten Network 7 times. This year, it is 3. If you are a season ticket holder (like me) this does you no good; all three TV covered games are in Champaign.

Overall coverage of women's basketball is not impressive - 45 games, making an average of four games for each of the 11 teams.

When the BT network started, there was rhetoric about "equal coverage of men and women" by 2010. It's here. But this year, coverage for "real TV" is down. True, there are more streamed games, but not everyone has a computer, and many are not in that nice, comfortable setting as the TV. There is also a $2.99 charge per game.

Most of you know me, I am a highly passionate fan. All I want is to be able to watch my favorite team, from the comfort of my couch, even when they are in icy Minneapolis or far-flung Happy Valley.

Please don't let me be the only one to ask the Big Ten to improve the situation, even if benefit is deferred to next year.

Big Ten Network

600 W Chicago Ave

Suite 875

Chicago Il 60610

(312) 665-0700

www.bigtennetwork.com

Posted by Donna on November 15, 2009 at 9:11 PM | Suggest Removal