Illinois and Ohio State are set to face off on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in a thrilling Big Ten matchup. This game promises to be a competitive showdown as both teams aim to strengthen their standings in the conference.
Illinois Fighting Illini Overview
Illinois comes into the game with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, including 3 wins and 1 loss in the Big Ten. The Illini’s starting lineup features:
- G Destiny Jackson, Fr., 5-6, 7.9 PPG, Chicago
- G Gretchen Dolan, R-So., 5-11, 14.9 PPG, Buffalo, N.Y.
- G Jasmine Brown-Hagger, Jr., 5-9, 5.7 PPG, Shorewood
- F Berry Wallace, So., 6-1, 18.2 PPG, Pickerington, Ohio
- F Cearah Parchment, Fr., 6-3, 11.1 PPG, Whitby, Ontario
Maddie Webber has been a standout player for Illinois, scoring a season-high 22 points in their recent game against No. 24 Michigan State. She ranks 12th in the Big Ten for three-point shooting at 47.4 percent.
Ohio State Buckeyes Overview
Ohio State also holds an impressive record of 13-2, with a 3-1 mark in the conference. Their starting players include:
- G Jaloni Cambridge, So., 5-7, 19.4 PPG, Nashville, Tenn.
- G Chance Gray, Sr., 5-9, 12.5 PPG, Cincinnati
- G Kennedy Cambridge, R-Jr., 5-8, 8.5 PPG, Nashville, Tenn.
- G/F Kylee Kitts, R-Fr., 6-4, 9.3 PPG, Oviedo, Fla.
- C Elsa Lemmilä, So., 6-6, 7.0 PPG, Espoo, Finland
Jaloni Cambridge is a key player for Ohio State. Currently ranked third in the Big Ten for scoring average, she contributes significantly with 5.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, despite some turnover challenges.
Game Details and Context
The game will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, which has a seating capacity of 15,544. Fans can catch the action live on BTN Plus or by tuning into WDWS 1400-AM and WDWS 93.9-FM for radio commentary.
Recent History
Ohio State leads the all-time series against Illinois with a record of 59-20. The last encounter saw Ohio State come out on top, winning 83-74 on December 8, 2024. Coach Shauna Green’s team has faced Ohio State three times under her leadership and has yet to secure a victory, with all games being closely contested.
Key Matchup Insights
The Illini will look to bolster their AP Top 25 resume by achieving a victory against the Buckeyes. Illinois has proven its capability to win against high-caliber opponents, evidenced by their recent victory over No. 7 Maryland. A win against Ohio State would mark their second ranked victory in three games.
Challenges Ahead
Illinois aims to improve upon past performances, particularly in handling pressure from opposing defenses. Coach Green emphasized the importance of breaking the Buckeyes’ press effectively and maintaining composure, especially in the critical third quarter.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal showdown, anticipation is high for what promises to be an exciting evening of college basketball.
