FINAL: Illinois 81, Northwestern 50

Jenna Smith scored a career-high 34 points -- the most by an Illini since 2001 -- as Illinois ran its winning streak against the Wildcats to 20.

Smith scored only six points in the second half against constant pressure -- the Wildcats were face-guarding her, even when she was 25 feet from the basket -- but it hardly mattered. The Illini (13-11, 5-9) cruised in the second half.

Karisma Penn added 11 points and seven rebounds for the Illini. Kersten Magrum also scored 11 as the Illiin shot 56.1 percent. The 81 points were the most they had scored since the second game of the season, an 85-53 win against Siena.

Amy Jaeschke scored 25 for the Wildcats (14-10, 5-8).

HALFTIME: Illinois 43, Northwestern 24

In less than 13 minutes Thursday, Jenna Smith showed why she'll be remembered as one of Illinois' greatest players. Smith hit her first 11 shots -- including five from three-point range -- and scored 28 of her team's first 38 points as the Illini buried the Wildcats early at the Assembly Hall.

Led by Smith, the Illini shot 66.7 percent. Smith finished 11 of 12 overall and 5 of 6 on threes. Northwestern shot 28 percent.

PREGAME:

Greetings from the Assembly Hall, where the Illini women will try to extend their winning streak against Northwestern to 20. 

Given the Illini's recent struggles and Northwestern's improvement, that streak will be put to a severe test tonight. This is the best Wildcats team in many years, a squad that is in position to gain a postseason bid, likely to the WNIT, if it can finish up strongly. The Wildcats are coming off back-to-back wins, while Illinois has lost three straight at home. The last time Northwestern beat Illinois was February 1999, but that streak might come to an end tonight. If not tonight, you have to like the Wildcats' chances in the rematch Feb. 28 in Evanston.

The only thing that I know for certain tonight is that Northwestern coach Joe McKeown will have a good game plan to attack the Illini. McKeown, for my money, is the best coach in the league. If you gave him the talent of some other squads in the conference, he'd be fighting for a spot in the top two or three. There's no doubt in my mind. Just take a look at his career record. Speaks for itself.

--Probably won't see a Shark sighting tonight, but Northwestern freshman Dannielle Diamant is the granddaughter of former UNLV men's coach Jerry Tarkanian. She's part of a good young batch of Northwestern players, part of McKeown's critical project of upgrading the program's talent. He signed three players in November, including Von Steuben guard La'Terria Taylor, and his daughter, Loyola's Meghan McKeown.

--Lacey Simpson could zoom up the Big Ten's career steals list tonight. She has 324 coming in, which ranks ninth all-time, and should pass No. 8 (326) tonight, while possibly catching two players tied at No. 6 (327). 

--Speaking of ... Jenna Smith, eighth on the BIg Ten's career rebounding list, can move into sixth with eight rebounds tonight.

--I'll be Dave Loane's guest at halftime on the radio side.