Indiana shot an impressive 55 percent on its way to an 85-58 route of Illinois. The Hoosiers, who also dished out 23 assists, improved their record to 14-10 and 4-9 in Big Ten play.
“We were waiting to have a night like this. It feels good for our whole group to come out and play both ends the way we did tonight,” Coach Teri Moren said.
Amanda Cahill recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, her sixth of the year. Cahill also managed three assists, five blocks and three steals.
“Amanda has been one of those kids who has stuck with the process and she continues to be consistent,” Moren said.
Larryn Brooks added 14 points and Karlee McBride added 13 to their ledgers as well.
Indiana is known for its mass volume in 3-point attempts, but on the season have shot only 28 percent coming into this game. Tonight the Cream and Crimson were able to hit 56.5 percent of their triples on 13-23 shooting.
Indiana, who has struggled this season in Big Ten play, came out hot in the first half. At halftime the Hoosiers lead the Illini by a score of 44-31. Sophomore guard Larryn Brooks started off 4-of-4 shooting and wouldn’t miss until the 16:26 mark of the second half. She finished the night 5-of-13 from the floor and had four turnovers.
“I was trying to force a lot of things, trying to make that pass especially to Jenn [Anderson] in the post,” Brooks said. “Everybody at halftime was saying ‘you’re ok’ and that kept me in it.”
As a team the Hoosiers shot 65.4 percent in the half. The Illini shot decently in their own right at 43.3 percent in the first half, but came out slow in the second half not scoring a field goal until the 11:32 mark.
Coach Moren looked at this win as a confidence booster heading toward the Big Ten tournament at the end of the month.
“We were disappointed after the Northwestern loss. Wins like this do absolutely give your team confidence,” Moren said. “We can only enjoy this win for 24 hours, and then we have to go get ready for Iowa.”
Indiana next travels to Iowa on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Lucas on Twitter @TheLucasCorley
