Illinois Starters vs. Purdue

Here’s a look at the Illinois starting lineup from their last game against Purdue:

Illinois Women’s Basketball: Game Day Central – vs. Maryland

ILLINOIS (12-2, 3-0 B1G) vs. MARYLAND (14-0,2-0 B1G)
Date: January 11,2026
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: State farm Center (Champaign,Ill.)
Broadcast: BTN+

ILLINOIS STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS

HEAD COACH SHAUNA GREEN

* Career record: 231-111 (.675), 12th season
* Division I Record: 202-86 (.701), 10th season
* At Illinois: 75-36 (.676), Fourth season
* Big ten Record: 32-24 (.571), Fourth season

THE NEXT WIN WOULD…

* Move the Illini to 2-17 all-time vs. Maryland
* Improve green to 2-5 overall vs. Maryland
* Mark Illinois’ first win over Maryland in state Farm Center
* Move Illinois to 48-11 in home games under Green
* Give the Illini an 11-game win streak
* Give the Illini a 10-game home win streak
* Mark UI’s first 3-0 B1G start since 1999-2000
* Move Green’s career record to 232-111 in 12 seasons
* Move green’s DI record to 203-86 in 10 seasons
* Move Green’s Illinois record to 76-36
* Give Illinois WBB an all-time record of 722-776

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Maryland is off to a perfect 14-0 start on the 2025-26 season including a 2-0 reading in Big Ten play with wins over Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Terps’ lone away game was their Big Ten opener at Minnesota on Dec. 7, a 100-99 double overtime win.

ALL-TIME SERIES INFO

Maryland leads the all-time series against Illinois, 17-1, with thursday’s game marking the 19th all-time meeting. The Terrapins lead the series 5-0 when the series has been played in Champaign. Illinois won the most recent meeting in the series, a 66-65 victory in College Park on Feb. 2, 2025. The Illini are 1-5 against Maryland since Shauna Green took over the Illinois helm.

DOLAN MEDICAL HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED

On Dec.12, 2025, Illinois forward, Alyssa Dolan, was granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA. Dolan will retain a year of eligibility after suffering a season-ending injury just three games into the 2025-26 campaign.

ILLINOIS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: PROGRAM BESTS & RECORDS

BEST 15-GAME RECORDS

BEST 14-GAME STARTS

The best 14-game start in program history is a 12-2 reading, achieved by two different Illini squads, including one of Shauna Green‘s teams. The 2025-26 Illinois team has the chance to become the first in program history to achieve a 13-1 start on Thursday.

## Illinois basketball Under Brad Underwood: A Statistical Look

Since Brad Underwood took the helm, Illinois Basketball has consistently excelled in key statistical categories, demonstrating a program built on discipline and efficiency. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

### PROTECTING THE BALL

Underwood’s teams have prioritized ball security,consistently ranking among the Big Ten’s best in limiting turnovers. This focus on minimizing mistakes has translated to success on the court.

### EFFICIENCY FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE

Green’s Illini have been incredibly efficient from the free throw line. Illinois has led the Big Ten in free throw shooting the last two completed seasons and is doing so once again in 2025-26. The Illini’s numbers from 2023- 24 and 2024-25 are the two best completed single-season free throw percentages in program history. Following the holiday break, Illinois leads Division I with an 82.7% mark from the stripe.

ILLINOIS BASKETBALL WEEKLY RELEASE – JANUARY 8,2024

BIG TEN PLAY CONTINUES

Illinois improved to 2-0 in Big Ten play with an 83-73 road win at Purdue on Sunday. The Illini’s 10-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest in program history. Four Illini scored in double figures, and the team was efficient at the free throw line (25-of-30) and on the boards (35-26). Illinois limited Purdue to just four second-chance points while scoring 12 of their own. This was Illinois’ first win in West Lafayette since February 21,2015.

LONGEST WINNING STREAKS IN PROGRAM HISTORY

The current 10-game winning streak ties for the second-longest in program history, trailing only an 11-game streak spanning the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons following the WBIT championship.

PROGRAM WIN STREAKS

Illinois Women’s Basketball: A Legacy of Leadership

The University of Illinois Women’s Basketball program boasts a rich history,shaped by dedicated head coaches who have guided the Fighting Illini through decades of competition. Here’s a look at the individuals who have led the team:

FANTASTIC FRESHMEN

Fighting Illini rookies Destiny Jackson and Cearah Parchment have started all 13 games for Illinois and are averaging a combined 19.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 4.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. the Illini combo is one of two freshman duos in the Big Ten averaging 20+ minutes each, joining Maryland.

Parchment was one of two big Ten freshman to record a double-double in the first three weeks of the season (Layla Hays, Iowa) while Jackson’s six assists in her collegiate debut…

Illinois Basketball’s Gracy Vasconcelos Among Tallest in the Big Ten

Illinois women’s basketball player Gracy Vasconcelos stands as the tallest on her team, but shares the distinction of being among the tallest players in the Big Ten conference. She is tied for the top height spot with Avery Gordon of Purdue and Lauren Betts of UCLA.

Gracy Vasconcelos: A Rising Star for the illini

Gracy Vasconcelos is a key player for the Illinois fighting illini women’s basketball team. Her height provides a important advantage in rebounding, blocking, and scoring opportunities. As a [insert current year/class – *research needed*],Vasconcelos is expected to continue to develop and contribute significantly to the team’s success.

Height Comparison: Vasconcelos and her Big Ten Counterparts

Vasconcelos, Gordon, and Betts are all listed at the same height of [insert height – *research needed*]. This makes them some of the tallest players in the big Ten conference, creating unique challenges for opposing teams.

Avery Gordon (Purdue)

Avery Gordon is a prominent player for the Purdue Boilermakers. Her height and skill set make her a formidable opponent in the paint. [Insert a recent achievement or statistic for Avery gordon – *research needed*].

Lauren Betts (UCLA)

Lauren Betts plays for the UCLA Bruins and is recognized for her notable height and basketball prowess.She is a significant presence on the court and a key contributor to UCLA’s success.[Insert a recent achievement or statistic for Lauren Betts – *research needed*].

Impact of Height in Women’s Basketball

Height is a valuable asset in women’s basketball, offering advantages in several areas:

• Rebounding: Taller players can more easily secure rebounds on both offense and defense.
• Shot Blocking: Height allows for more effective shot blocking, disrupting opponents’ scoring attempts.
• Post Play: Taller players often excel in post play, scoring close to the basket and drawing fouls.
• Visibility: Height provides a better view of the court, aiding in passing and decision-making.

Looking Ahead

With her height and developing skills, Gracy Vasconcelos is poised to become a dominant force in the Big Ten. It will be interesting to see how she and her fellow tall players – Avery Gordon and Lauren Betts – continue to impact the game in the seasons to come.

Publication date: 2025/12/31 19:42:23