The women’s Illinois basketball program is back in action on Sunday to keep the good vibes going.
This past week, the Illini tipped off the season with a big 91-67 victory over Southeast Missouri. Shauna Green had her team ready to go, and Illinois looked great from the tip.
Game two is on Sunday, and the opponent has been a thorn in our side for the past couple of decades.
Here is the Illinois basketball vs Illinois State – How to watch, series history, and key players
- Illinois basketball vs Illinois State – How to watch
You can view this great in-state matchup between Illinois and Illinois State on Big Ten Plus on Sunday, November 9. The game starts at 12:00 p.m. CT/1:00 p.m. ET.
- Illinois basketball vs Illinois State – Series history
What is somewhat of a surprise is that Illinois and Illinois State have a relatively long history of playing against each other. The Illini have a narrow lead in the series, 21-16. The last game between the two teams came in 2019 when Illinois State thrashed the Illini, 74-58.
Illinois is currently on a two-game losing streak and has lost four out of the last five contests against Illinois State. The first matchup dates back to 1975 when Illinois State got the best of the Illini, 72-71.
- Illinois basketball vs Illinois State – Key players
Illinois has started the season off on the right foot, and that should continue on Sunday. Berry Wallace is an All-American-level player, and she dropped 27 points in game one. I’ll be curious to see what Illinois State throws at her. Cearah Parchment is a great freshman with good size. She holds down the paint well. Both players will be needed for Illinois to put away the Redbirds.
Meanwhile, Illinois State won its first game of the season 87-76 over Dayton. They have a ton of firepower, as four Redbirds scored in double figures, with Doneelah Washington leading the way with 21 points.
Illinois State was only 5-of-26 from three-point range but still put up 87 points. They are a talented team inside the paint, and that means Parchment and Lety Vasconcelos will be key for the Illinois defense. Look for Illinois State’s Addison Martin to be a tough matchup for Wallace, too.