CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today)– Berry Wallace continued her stellar start to the season with a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds, leading the Illinois women’s basketball team to an 84-64 victory over the Murray State Racers on Field Trip Day at State Farm Center. In front of a record crowd of 14,361, the Fighting Illini (3-1) won their third straight home game with a balanced offensive attack and strong defense.
Illinois had four players score in double figures, with Wallace being the standout performer. Destiny Jackson added a career-high 18 points, including 10 in the first half, while Aaliyah Guyton contributed 12 points off the bench. Cearah Parchment also had a breakout performance, recording her first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Illini controlled the game from start to finish, using a 15-2 run at the end of the first quarter to pull away early. After leading 25-16 after the first period, Illinois extended its advantage to 47-30 by halftime, outscoring Murray State 22-14 in the second quarter.
Illinois’ defense was a key factor in the victory, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 15 points. Parchment led the team with two steals, while the Illini’s strong presence in the paint — where they outscored Murray State 38-22 — helped seal the win.
The game also marked the largest crowd for a women’s basketball game at State Farm Center since 1999, setting a new attendance record for the annual Field Trip Day event.
Postgame Notes
- Berry Wallace became the first Illini player to score 20 or more points in four consecutive games this season. She went 8-for-8 on free throws.
- Destiny Jackson’s 18 points set a new career-high, and she shot 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to close the third quarter.
- Cearah Parchment grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, helping Illinois dominate the boards 41-33.
- Aaliyah Guyton scored a season-high 12 points, her first time hitting double figures this year.
- Gretchen Dolan added nine points, four rebounds, and four assists, contributing to Illinois’ well-rounded team effort.