No. 23 Illinois dominates UIS in preseason exhibition

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — No. 23 Illinois women’s basketball returned to State Farm Center on Friday night, defeating Illinois-Springfield 88-44 ahead of the 2026-27 regular season

The Illini had four players finish in double figures, with Gretchen Dolan and Aaliyah Guyton leading the team with 14 points each. Maddie Webber and Manuella Alves added 11 each as well.

Illinois started off with an 11-9 lead midway through the first quarter before head coach Shauna Green made a full five-player substitution. The second unit helped spark a 16-2 run to close the quarter, giving Illinois a 27-11 lead.

“I firmly believe our bench is an X-factor in our success this season,” Green said after the game. “If we have the depth, we need to utilize it.”

Illinois continued to build its lead in the second quarter, outscoring UIS 29-11 to take a 54-22 lead into halftime.

Dolan scored 12 of her 14 points in the first half, while the Illini’s defense forced UIS into several turnovers that led to opportunities on the other end.

Illinois slowed down offensively in the third quarter, scoring just 18 points, but still managed to hold UIS to just 12. The Illini entered the fourth quarter leading 72-34 before closing out the 44-point victory.

Guyton had one of the more impressive performances of the night, finishing 5-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. She also recorded seven assists without committing a turnover in 19 minutes.

“Just having a feel for the game, honestly,” Guyton said when asked about balancing scoring and passing. “I really depend on my teammates so much, and I know I can count on them.”

Webber finished with 11 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes. The senior came off the bench, which is a role she played last season and said she has become comfortable with.

Alves also made her Illinois debut after missing last season due to injury with a torn ACL. She finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four steals in 23 minutes.

Illinois finished with 18 offensive rebounds and outrebounded UIS 49-28 overall. The Illini also recorded 14 steals, with Berry Wallace leading the team with five.

Despite the win, Illinois still has some things to improve on. The Illini struggled from three-point range, shooting just 3-for-19. They also committed 19 turnovers, something Green said the team will need to clean up.

“Your offense, you’re going to have those nights,” Green said. “You got to hang your hat on your defense and your rebounding.”

With most of last season’s roster returning, Illinois will look to rely on its depth as it prepares for the regular season and another competitive Big Ten schedule.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Gretchen Dolan gets Illinois going early, scoring the team’s first seven points.

Manuella Alves shows off her range by drilling a corner three in her Illini debut.

Destiny Jackson gets a steal and pushes ahead for an easy layup as the quarter winds down.

STAT STUFFERS

• Aalyiah Guyton was 100% on shooting (5-5) including free throws (4-4).
• The Fighting Illini’s offensive rebounds outrebounded UIS’ defensive rebounds (18-17), (49-28 total).
• Illinois accumulated 14 steals, en route to causing 27 total turnovers.

UP NEXT

Illinois opens its regular season Wednesday, Nov. 4, against Detroit Mercy at State Farm Center. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on B1G+.