Illini women's basketball prediction: Illinois 69, Central Michigan 65

Game 3

UI women vs. Central Michigan,

7 p.m.

LINEUPS

CENTRAL MICHIGAN (0-1)

Probable starters

P Name HT. YR. PPG

G Jalisa Olive 5-4 Fr. 5.0

G Shonda Long 5-9 Jr. 30.0

G Britni Houghton 5-11 Sr. 18.0

F Kaihla Szunko 6-1 Jr. 2.0

F Skylar Miller 5-10 So. 4.0

Top reserves

G Stefanie Mauk 5-10 Fr. 7.0

G Kendra Holman 5-4 Sr. 7.0

G Sherryia Armstrong 6-2 Jr. 0.0

illinois (1-1)

Probable starters

P Name HT. YR. PPG

G Adrienne GodBold 5-11 Fr. 10.0

G Lydia McCully 5-9 So. 4.0

C Jenna Smith 6-3 Sr. 17.0

F Lacey Simpson 6-1 Sr. 11.0

F Karisma Penn 6-2 Fr. 14.0

Top reserves

F Brianna Jones 6-2 Fr. 3.5

G Fabiola Josil 5-7 So. 2.5

G Macie Blinn 5-11 So. 4.5

Facts & figures

Site: The Assembly Hall, Champaign.

Radio: Dave Loane and Mike Koon call the action on WDWS 1400-AM and WDAN 1490-AM.

Series: Tied 2-2. Illinois won 82-44 in the last matchup in December 2004.

Coaches: Sue Guevara (24-38 in third season at Central Michigan; 147-120 in 10 seasons overall); Jolette Law (31-37 in third season at Illinois and overall).

Storylines

1

Under the radar

As the kids say these days, don't sleep on Central Michigan. The Chippewas can play. They have a talented backcourt, experience and good coaching. On Saturday, they nearly toppled No. 17 DePaul in Lincoln Park, closing within six points with 4:17 to play. Long drilled 7 of 12 three-pointers and scored a career-high 30 points and running mate Houghton added 18 on 6-of-10 shooting. The Chips like a fast pace, and if they get their tempo tonight, look out.

2

Hey, aren't you ...

You might recognize the face on the CMU bench. Guevara was a longtime Michigan State assistant before taking over as Michigan's head coach from 1996 to 2003. She got a raw deal in Ann Arbor, resigning after the 2003 season but not before winning 60 percent of her games, an unheard-of rate for a historically lousy program. Her 123 wins remain a school record. She went to three NCAA tournaments in seven seasons – and the Wolverines haven't been invited back since.

3

The Days of Our Lives

Will she or won't she? Will Destiny Williams, the recruiting jewel of the UI's heralded 2009 class, make her Assembly Hall debut tonight? When last seen – or not seen, actually – Williams was told to stay away from the UI's Sunday game against Siena. No word whether she'll be in uniform tonight. Her absence, along with the season-ending injury to Amber Moore, has quickly shortened the UI roster from 14 to 12.

Prediction

ILLINOIS 69, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 65

Here's your warning: Do not be surprised if the Chippewas win this game. Yes, Illinois has an edge in talent, but Central Michigan has an aggressive backcourt and a pressing, fast-paced style; that's been a recipe for disaster for the Illini the last couple seasons. Plus, this is the type of under-the-radar game that Illinois has lost lately – remember UAB? Bradley? Montana? The Illini's biggest advantage is under the glass. With an edge in size and bulk, Illinois should dominate inside, especially in rebounding. (N-G prediction record: 1-1)

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