5 huge observations from the Illinois basketball win over Florida State

The women’s Illinois basketball team had a massive matchup against No. 19 Florida State on Thursday night.

From the jump, the Illini took the lead and never relinquished it throughout. Of course, a hot start that saw Illinois get out to a 17-point lead would cool down. Despite some haymakers thrown by Florida State, the Illini were able to take the punches.

Illinois managed to hold on to the first quarter lead throughout the game. We never trailed, and in the end, the Illini managed to throw the knockout blow with some great defense,  83-74.

Here are five huge observations from the Illinois basketball win over Florida State

1. Adalia McKenzie was unstoppable within 15 feet of the basket

Illinois basketball had so much talent return this season. Numerous players could have stood out on the court, but Adalia McKenzie shined brightest.

McKenzie isn’t the first option on the team. Illinois can go with the backcourt duo of Genesis Bryant and Makira Cook, or we can go down low to our star forward Kendall Bostic. The fact McKenzie isn’t one of the first few options on offense and still can put up a big night shows her talent.

Throughout the entire game, McKenzie was a nightmare for Florida State. She didn’t settle for shots from the outside. McKenzie would get into the lane and the Seminoles didn’t have an answer for her.

McKenzie finished the game with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field. She also had four rebounds, three assists, and a steal on the night.

I feel like last season, McKenzie didn’t have the control she has this time around. She has full control over what is going on when she enters the paint. She isn’t taking wild shots. I also thought her full-court hustle was great. There was one play in the second half when McKenzie had a runout, and Cook hit her for a layup at the other end.

McKenzie is a really good player on a stacked team. Look for her to be a major part of Illinois’ success in 2024-25.