JEREME RICHMOND (Waukegan) – Evanston had no answer for Richmond's 30-point effort Friday as Waukegan rallied to win 86-71. The next night, his double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) helped the Bulldogs defeat Whitney Young 59-42 at the City-Suburban Shootout.

On Wednesday, he had 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead Waukegan over Deerfield 93-87 for the Central Suburban League Conference title.

Illini senior 1 of 30 midseason candidates for national award

How News-Gazette staff writer Tony Bleill voted in this week's Associated Press women's basketball Top 25:

CHAMPAIGN – Before they walked off the Assembly Hall court for the last time in the regular season, Illinois seniors Lacey Simpson and Jenna Smith shared a lengthy embrace amid the hullabaloo of the Illini's 61-57 victory against Purdue on Sunday.

They dabbed at their eyes, content with the knowledge and emotions produced by a victory in their Hall swan song. The prevailing sentiment: My, how time flies.

Game 27

UI women vs. Purdue,

FINAL: Illinois 61, Purdue 57

Illinois finally exorcised a few demons against a longstanding nemesis.

CHAMPAIGN – Some Illinois fans no doubt spent a portion of their Sunday fretting about life after Jenna Smith and Lacey Simpson, two seniors who will leave an indelible imprint on the program.

But a 61-57 victory against Purdue on Senior Day also might have served as a cheering-up session to those same folks, who watched Illini freshmen Kersten Magrum and Karisma Penn combine for 25 points, six rebounds and three assists.

News you can 't leave work without:

Illinois women's basketball star Jenna Smith is readying for her final home game of the regular season.