GAME 24

UI women vs. Northwestern, 7 p.m. Thursday

LINEUPS

Northwestern (14-9, 5-7)

Probable starters

P Name HT. YR. PPG

G Beth Marshall 5-5 Jr. 6.8

G Kristin Cartwright 5-11 Sr. 7.5

C Amy Jaeschke 6-5 Jr. 16.0

F Kendall Hackney 6-2 Fr. 8.8

F Brittany Orban 6-0 So. 10.0

Top reserves

G Allison Mocchi 5-10 So. 2.0

G Meshia Reed 5-8 Jr. 5.0

F Dannielle Diamant 6-5 Fr. 6.3

Illinois (12-11, 4-9)

Probable starters

P Name HT. YR. PPG

G Lacey Simpson 6-1 Sr. 9.4

G Lydia McCully  5-9 So. 3.4

C Jenna Smith 6-3 Sr. 18.7

F Kersten Magrum 6-1 Fr. 2.3

F Karisma Penn 6-2 Fr. 11.5

Top reserves

G Fabiola Josil 5-9 So. 2.5

G Whitney Toone 5-10 Sr. 3.0

G Adrienne GodBold 5-11 Fr. 6.5

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: Northwestern leads 31-29, but the Illini own a 15-13 edge in Champaign. Overall, Illinois has won 19 straight in the series dating to 1999.

Coaches: Joe McKeown (21-32 in second season; 531-206 in 23rd season); Jolette Law (42-47 in third season at Illinois and overall).

TONY BLEILL'S STORYLINES

1

Scouting report

The Wildcats are arguably the most improved team in the conference, having eclipsed last season's win total (seven) without much trouble. Jaeschke has played at an All-Big Ten level, while Hackney and Diamant – the granddaughter of former UNLV men's coach Jerry Tarkanian – have provided a talent boost. Though not a great offensive team, they lead the league in free throw shooting at nearly 79 percent. Northwestern is coming off two impressive wins: at Wisconsin (after trailing big early) and against Michigan.

2

The Streak

The Illini's 19-game winning streak has spanned three Northwestern coaches (Don Perrelli, June Olkowski, Beth Combs and McKeown). The Wildcats' last win was Feb. 5, 1999, in Champaign, which was Perrelli's last time facing his in-state rival. The streak has nearly ended several times, with Illinois needing last-second wins in 2003, '06 and '09. Given Northwestern's obvious rise and the Illini's struggles, the winning streak likely comes to an end soon. If not tonight, then perhaps at the rematch Feb. 28 in Evanston.

3

Shooting woes

McKeown, whose record speaks for itself, no doubt will have a sound game plan to defend the Illini, who have seen plenty of opponents dare them to win the game from the perimeter. Illinois rarely has succeeded in those situations. "Just take the shot. Be confident. We work on it every day," Law said of her team's outside shooting. What the Wildcats lack in athleticism they make up for in sound defensive abilities. Combined with McKeown's abilities, look for Northwestern to force Illinois to again take its chances from the perimeter.

PREDICTION

ILLINOIS 55, NORTHWESTERN 51

Yes, perhaps we're crazy, given that Illinois has lost three straight at home, and the Wildcats are as good as any of the teams (Iowa, Michigan, Indiana) that emerged from the Assembly Hall with a win. This is just a hunch that the Illini will break out of their funk at home, at least for one night, against a team that has had its share of troubles against Illinois. (News-Gazette prediction record: 14-9)