A relentless attack on the glass and in the paint propelled No. 12 IU women’s basketball over the University of Illinois Monday. IU retained its status as the only undefeated Big Ten team in conference play following the 83-42 victory.
Monday’s win showcased a Hoosier team that overcame its struggles to box out opponents and take over below the basket. It also marked the lowest score IU has held an opponent to this season.
IU outrebounded Illinois 41-21, with 13 offensive rebounds. And when the ball bounced off the rim, chances were freshman forward Mackenzie Holmes was scavenging for second chances.
Holmes pulled down eight rebounds and scored 16 points. She took advantage of second, third and fourth chance opportunities to finish in traffic down low.
The IU freshman drew a handful of fouls throughout the night and created opportunities for her teammates to hit open shots when defenders crashed in to double team her.
Junior guard Ali Patberg reaped the benefits of the defensive pressure on Holmes. Patberg sunk open threes and found teammates near the key for easy baskets. She finished with 19 points and two assists, setting the tone for an aggressive offense.
Rounding out the offense were sophomore forward Aleksa Gulbe, sophomore guard Grace Berger and junior guard Jaelynn Penn.
Gulbe provided the Hoosier guards with looks at midrange and screens to open up access to the paint.
Berger tallied 11 points, six rebounds and four assists in her efforts to keep IU undefeated in conference play. This was her second highest rebounding tally, which was more than enough to prevent Illinois from second chance opportunities.
Despite playing limited minutes, Penn launched IU’s offense early on and kept Illinois from taking a lead while her team struggled to score in the opening minutes.
Penn was honored before the game for scoring 1,000 points in her IU career. She scored nine points before exiting with discomfort from pain in her heels caused by her plantar fasciitis injury.
