CHAMPAIGN — At the first media timeout, both Illinois and Northwestern were struggling mightily. The Wildcats led 2-1 and neither team had made a field goal and combined to turn the ball over eight times a little more than four minutes in.

Then the Illinois football team — all players who were not in class — showed up wearing their orange game jerseys and brought a welcomed energy into the Assembly Hall.

With quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase leading the cheers from the front row near the Illini bench, the Illini went on a 12-2 run in the next four minutes to seize control of the game.

"It was awesome having them there because they were loud. It was good seeing them over there," Law said. "For my girls, I think the focus — the bench was looking at the guys — I'm like focus, focus.

"But it was great having them there supporting us. That really gave us that sixth man, if you will. They came in and my girls started playing aggressive. Any time Amber hit a shot, I would hear them and I look over at the bench and they're all smiling."

Senior Night. Monday was the final home game for Illinois seniors Lydia McCully, Lana Rukavina, Macie Blinn and Eboni Mitchell. All four committed to previous Illinois coach Theresa Grentz, but Law was thankful they gave her a chance and stuck with the program through the coaching change.

"These young ladies committed to me, they didn't have to. They committed to the previous coach, they could have decided I'm not coming to play for you, I'm going to go elsewhere," Law said. "We've been through a lot and it's very emotional for me. I told them 'We're not crying, let's not cry because this is not over.' They've been my rock since I've been here. ... I thank God he gave me the opportunity to coach these four young ladies and we'll be together for life."

McCully has started every game this season, but Rukavina, Blinn and Mitchell are not — and only Rukavina and McCully are regulars. But Law started all four Monday.

"I don't really have any words for the way I feel. At first I said it was bittersweet but now it's more on the bitter side to realize it really is coming to an end," McCully said. "I think you realize how much tears and sweat I've put in here at the University of Illinois and I really love this place. It was an emotional moment."

Said Rukavina: "It was a very emotional night. We are so grateful for all the opportunities that the university and Coach Law has given us. To realize this is our last home game, our last game in front of our fans and our home base, it's very tough to deal with."