Rockford, Ill. — Women's Basketball defeated Rockford University, 47-41, in their opening conference matchup, capitalizing on 16 steals and 19 points off turnovers. Illinois Tech improved to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in NACC play with the victory. Rockford fell to 0-5 overall and 0-1 in NACC competition.
How It Happened
The game began with Rockford's Nia Wilkerson scoring a layup, assisted by Katie Paredes, giving Rockford the initial lead. Illinois Tech responded with points from
Grace Goodnough, who tied the game at 2-2 with a layup at 7:58.
Chloe Churilla later put Illinois Tech ahead by converting two free throws at 7:25, making the score 4-3. In the closing seconds of the quarter,
Nerea Del Olmo Perez sank a three-pointer with 6 seconds left, assisted by
Camden Joko, to extend Illinois Tech's lead to 12-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Illinois Tech maintained a steady lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and defensive plays.
Nerea Del Olmo Perez initiated scoring momentum with a three-pointer at 8:54, assisted by
Camden Joko, setting the score at 15-10.
Grace Goodnough extended the lead to 17-10 with a jumper at 7:16, following an assist from
Abigail Marino.
Berit Rusing added a fast-break layup at 1:55, pushing the visitors' lead to 23-14. Rockford's Katie Paredes contributed a late free throw, closing the quarter with Illinois Tech leading 23-17.
Rockford outscored Illinois Tech in the paint, gaining a significant advantage with 14 points to Illinois Tech's six. Early in the third quarter,
Camden Joko's layup at 9:14 gave Illinois Tech a brief lead. Rockford's Te Simpson responded with consecutive baskets, contributing significantly to Rockford's lead. Illinois Tech regained the lead when
Chloe Churilla's layup with 0:46 remaining put them ahead, 30-29. Churilla later secured the victory with two free throws at 0:28, despite a late layup by Rockford's Haylee West.
Illinois Tech secured a 47-41 victory over Rockford in the final quarter. Te Simpson of Rockford opened the scoring with a layup, giving the home team a brief lead. Illinois Tech responded with
Berit Rusing's layup at 6:51, assisted by
Camden Joko, which initiated a 7-0 run. This run was capped by a three-pointer from Joko at 3:18, extending Illinois Tech's lead to 42-36.
Grace Goodnough's layup at 0:51 further solidified the visitors' advantage. Despite a late three-pointer by Katie Paredes for Rockford, Illinois Tech maintained their lead to claim the win.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Camden Joko
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- 6 points
- 4 steals
- 3 assists
Berit Rusing
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- 7 points
- 6 steals
- 4 rebounds
Grace Goodnough
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- 10 points
- 9 rebounds
- 3 steals
Chloe Churilla
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- 16 points (season high)
- 6/8 free throws made
- 6 rebounds
Rockford Top Performers
Te Simpson
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- 16 points
- 10 rebounds
Katie Paredes
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- 10 points
- 14 rebounds
- 3 steals
Haylee West
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- 2 points
- 10 rebounds
- 2 blocks
Up Next
the Scarlet Hawks will face Lakeland University after the Thanksgiving break on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at Keating Sports Center in Chicago, Illinois.
