Illinois Women’s Basketball falls to #16 Notre Dame 79-68

Illinois women’s basketball fell to Notre Dame in the Shamrock Classic.

Head coach Shauna Green, Genesis Bryant, and the Illinois women’s basketball team had no answer for Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this afternoon. Down by as much as 20 points, the Illini fell to the Irish 79-68 at the second annual Shamrock Classic in Washington, D.C. Illinois guard Genesis Bryant led all scorers with 31 points, but it was not enough. Illinois played from behind all game, and the Irish kept them at arm’s length.

Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo did it all today, scoring 24 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and six steals. Hidalgo was aided by forward Maddy Westbeld, who also had 24 points and eight rebounds.

Illinois never led in this game. They got within one point late in the first half before a 9-0 run put significant distance between the Illini and the Irish. Notre Dame went on a 9-0 again in the third quarter to extend its lead to sixteen points. The Irish were up by 20 points early in the fourth quarter and used that lead to hold off the Illini, winning by 11.

Takeaways

Genesis Bryant was again brilliant, scoring 31 points to lead all scorers. However, Bryant turned the ball over eight times with only one assist. Guard Makira Cook returned to action, chipping in 14  points and four assists. One contributing factor to Illinois’ struggles this afternoon was 15 turnovers between Cook and Byrant to just five assists. In addition to the turnovers, forward Kendall Bostic, a force early this season, was held to two points and seven rebounds.

Adalia McKenzie scored a season-high 17 points and eight rebounds for the Illini. Illinois forced 18 turnovers but had 21 turnovers of their own.