Ask Tate and Turpin about Illinois' WNIT chances here.

EVANSTON – Illinois' 58-48 victory Sunday against Northwestern meant more to the Illini than simply extending its winning streak against the Wildcats to 21.

With the win, the Illini (15-13, 7-11) finish the regular season on a two-game winning streak and are guaranteed to finish the season with a winning record – necessary for inclusion in the WNIT.

But first up for the Illini is the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis, where they are the ninth seed for the third year in a row.

"I feel confident about our chances next week in the (Big Ten) tournament," said senior Lacey Simpson, who had a team-high 17 points, seven rebounds and six steals Sunday. "With these two wins we've got some momentum now and Jenna (Smith) and I know what it takes to get to that championship game. If we keep playing like we did today, I think we can make another long run."

Coach Jolette Law thinks the Illini go as Simpson goes in the Big Ten tournament.

"If Lacey plays like she did today, I think we can make a lot of noise in the tournament," Law said. "She was more offensive-minded today and defensively she made a lot of things happen like she has all year."

Smith chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Karisma Penn added 10 points, six boards, six assists and four blocks.

Illinois finished the regular season tied for eighth in the Big Ten.

"I'm very pleased with our performance in these last two games," Law said. "We came in focused and poised, and were able to dictate on defense."

Tourney pairings
A look at the pairings for the Big Ten tournament, which begins Thursday in Indianapolis:
THURSDAY’S GAMES
GAME 1 — Michigan (7) vs. Northwestern (10), 11 a.m.
GAME 2 — Penn State (6) vs. Minnesota (11), 1:15 p.m.
GAME 3 — Indiana (8) vs. Illinois (9), 3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
GAME 4 — Michigan State (2) vs. Game 1 winner, 10:30 a.m.
GAME 5 — Iowa (3) vs. Game 2 winner, 12:45 p.m.
GAME 6 — Ohio State (1) vs. Game 3 winner, 5 p.m.
GAME 7 — Wisconsin (4) vs. Purdue (5), 7:15 p.m.