The women's Illinois basketball team put on another dominating performance at the State Farm Center, beating the visiting Bellarmine Knights 90-41.
This win extends the Illini's winning streak to five games and gives them great momentum as they head into the heart of their schedule. It also follows another dominating performance for coach Shauna Green's bunch, when they defeated the Le Moyne Dolphins 100-28 this past Sunday.
The navy and orange controlled the floor for all four quarters, even jumping out to a commanding 12-0 lead to begin the game. But what are the biggest moments from this contest that really stick out?
1. Cearah Parchment is a double-double machine for the Illini
This past Sunday, freshman forward Cearah Parchment recorded the second points-steals double-double in Illinois program history. She absolutely dominated on both ends of the floor, showing that she is a force to be reckoned with in all facets of the game.
That dominance continued on Tuesday for Parchment against the Knights, when she recorded a second straight double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. She is now tied for fourth in the country in double-doubles, trailing the likes of Clara Strack from Kentucky and Madina Okot from South Carolina.
With this continued success in the starting role, Parchment is proving that she is a perfect partner in crime for Berry Wallace in the paint. They are showing that the youth movement is strong with these two, as they are rapidly becoming one of the strongest frontcourts in the country.
2. Illinois' three-point shooting was a bit off against the Knights
This can certainly be an anomaly in the grand scheme of things, but Illinois' three-point shooting was rather lacking in this game. This team is normally very formidable from long range, shooting a little over 31% from beyond the arc.
That was not the case against the Knights, as the Illini only shot 14% (3-22) from three-point land. They struggled to make the long ball all night long, with stars like Wallace, Destiny Jackson, and Parchment missing all of their long-range shots.
Now granted, this could just end up being a blip on the radar. It could be a non-story when it's all said and done. But if it's a sign of things to come, then this team may have a bit of trouble against a formidable Indiana Hoosiers squad.
3. Shauna Green is spreading the love when it comes to playing time
This is just self-explanatory based on the score, but it's important nonetheless. In Illinois' last two games against Le Moyne and Bellarmine, Green has been very generous when it comes to giving everyone minutes. She has spread the love from her starters to her bench, and everyone in between.
It's a beautiful and fun sight to see. She went from making sure that everyone got at least three minutes against the Dolphins to six minutes against the Knights. To some, that may not be a lot. But to me, it means everything.
It means everything when a coach can trust a player like that and give them ample time on the court. It shows that even though you're not starting quite yet, the coach is still invested in you, the program is still invested in you, and it makes you want to be invested in them.