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INDIANAPOLIS – On the night Illinois senior Jenna Smith nearly pushed Ashley Berggren from the top spot for the school's most heralded record, she was forced to deal with the reality that her most cherished goal will not be realized.

Smith will never experience the emotional utopia of playing in an NCAA tournament. Illinois' 66-55 loss to 10th-ranked Ohio State in a Big Ten tournament quarterfinal Friday ended those dreams.

"I can't describe how it feels," Smith said softly, her voice beginning to crack while atop a media podium at Conseco Fieldhouse. "It just hurts ... to know that we haven't been there. I mean, we did what we could in our four years."

Smith and fellow seniors Lacey Simpson and Whitney Toone made no secret of their longstanding desire to get the program back to the tournament, territory the Illini haven't seen since 2003. And though they didn't succeed, Simpson was comforted with the knowledge the seniors at least had established a standard that their teammates could emulate in coming seasons.

"At the end of the day, I truly hope so," Simpson said. "I hope I've set that example, and not just in games. In practice, where it matters the most. I always try to lead by example, try to work hard. I think it has paid off, especially these last couple practices."

Smith departed Indianapolis three points from breaking Berggren's 12-year-old record of 2,089 points. She will, barring injury, smash that mark during Illinois' opening game of the WNIT, a likely destination.

Both players will leave a memorable legacy of individual achievement. Their names are scrawled all over the most important lists in the UI's record book. Smith will be the program's all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks. Simpson is No. 1 in steals, No. 2 in blocks and No. 3 in assists.

But if this were a Greek tragedy, it would be appropriate. Neither sought the individual glory, only the team accomplishments – which have never come to them.

But, Simpson said, those things are on the horizon. That, eventually, might be their most important legacy.

"I'm pretty sure Coach (Jolette) Law and this team will be successful in the years to come," Simpson said. "I just know they will.

"Since Coach Law has come here, I definitely think this program is on the rise. Our season doesn't predict how the future's going to be. The Illini will be an elite program. I just believe that."

Smith had 13 points and 11 rebounds against the Buckeyes, breaking the tournament's career rebounding record with 84. Her longtime rival, Ohio State center Jantel Lavender (19 points, six rebounds), figures to one day own that mark.

Simpson finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Guard Lydia McCully added 11 points as the UI's last-ditch comeback – it whittled a 16-point second-half deficit to six with four minutes to play – was negated.

"It eases my mind," Simpson said, "to know that we went out fighting."

At 16-14, the Illini seem in good position to be invited to the 64-team WNIT when bids are awarded March 15. Law said the Illini would accept.

"I don't think my team is ready to stop," the third-year coach said. "We don't want to end on a note like this."