REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – Seton Hall University took Holly Wilson to the big city (New York) and into a National Basketball Association locker room (the Knicks').

The University of Illinois took Wilson to Huff Hall and to its academic advising facility for athletes.

The University of Illinois women's basketball program has received an oral commitment from 6-foot-1 Holly Wilson of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, The News-Gazette learned today.

Wilson is the fourth and final recruit planning to sign a national letter of intent with the Illini. The early signing period begins Wednesday.

CHAMPAIGN – If there was a chink in the otherwise formidable armor of the University of Illinois women's basketball team last season, it was defense.

Actor Mel Gibson would have been proud of the University of Illinois women's volleyball team's performance Friday night against Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Illini, who have stumbled on the road this season, were road warriors at Cliff Keen Arena, losing 15-9, 15-13, 5-15, 13-15, 15-13.

   CHAMPAIGN  Lisa Guarneri never has been in Huff Hall during a University of Illinois women''s basketball game. However, the Illini freshman guard has heard all the stories.

   "I''ve heard how great it is at Huff," Guarneri said. "I hear they go crazy here. It should be very fun. I just can''t wait."

The University of Illinois has never climbed so high in the women's basketball rankings. Maintaining the lofty perch is the tricky part.

PITTSBURGH – This is one time the University of Illinois can be glad Big Ten rival Penn State has such a powerful football program.

Inside info on Fighting Illini Women''s Basketball.