Chicago, Ill. — Trailing by 11 points entering the third quarter of their home game against Concordia Chicago, Illinois Tech women's basketball pulled within three points with 37 seconds remaining in the third quarter. But a Cougars three-pointer with nine seconds remaining in the third gave them a six point lead, and they never looked back, en route to a 74-56 victory at the Keating Sports Center. The Cougars took advantage of the Scarlet Hawks' 20 turnovers, converting them into 20 points.
Illinois Tech stands at a 2-12 overall record and 2-6 in NACC play. The Cougars improved to 6-9 overall and 4-3 in the NACC.
How It Happened
The game kicked off with Illinois Tech grabbing an early lead, thanks to
Chloe Churilla's tip-in just over a minute into play and a layup shortly after. Concordia Chicago answered back with Ai Yonemura leading the charge, driving in a fast break layup and sinking two free throws. The teams traded leads until Grace King of Concordia Chicago hit a key layup, pushing their lead.
Amanda Wang's three-pointer kept Illinois Tech in the mix, but Yonemura closed the quarter with another layup, putting the Cougars ahead 19-15.
In the second quarter, the Cougars pulled away, outscoring Illinois Tech 22-15. Naveya Jackson set the tone with an early layup. Grace King and Sophia Pedraza contributed with a tip-in and a fast break layup off a steal, respectively. Illinois Tech's
Grace Goodnough fought back with a jumper and two free throws, but Concordia's steady scoring maintained their lead.
Grace King opened the third quarter with a jumper for the Cougars, extending their lead. The Scarlet Hawks responded with a surge, as Churilla, assisted by
Camden Joko, scored a layup. Illinois Tech narrowed the gap to 46-41 with two free throws from
Halle Williams. A two-point field goal from Goodnough with 37 seconds remaining in the half pulled the Scarlet Hawks within 3 points. However, Concordia's Pedraza and Lopez kept the Cougars ahead, with Lopez hitting a three-pointer to end the quarter, leaving the score at 55-49.
In the final quarter, Concordia Chicago sealed the deal, outscoring Illinois Tech 19-7. Pedraza was pivotal, hitting seven free throws and scoring fast-break points. Jackson and Lopez extended the Cougars' lead with a layup and a three-pointer, respectively. Yonemura's three-pointer in the final minute cemented their 74-56 victory.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Grace Goodnough
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- 20 points
- 9 field goals made
- 7 rebounds
Chloe Churilla
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- 15 points
- 7 field goals made
- 4 rebounds
Berit Rusing
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- 6 points
- 5 assists
- 5 rebounds
- 2 steals
Concordia Chicago Top Performers
Ai Yonemura
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- 19 points
- 4 steals
- 2 3-pointers
Grace King
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- 14 points
- 9 rebounds
- 2 steals
Sophia Pedraza
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- 12 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 2 blocks
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 3-5 all-time against the Cougars.
- CUC shot 8-22 from three-point range for 36%; Illinois Tech shot 2-12 for 17%.
- Illinois Tech held a 28-26 advantage in points in the paint.
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Grace Goodnough scored 20 points, far exceeding her season average of 8.38.
- Churilla achieved a season-high with 7 field goals.
- Churilla has recorded 4 or more rebounds in 14 consecutive games.
- Rusing set a season-high with 5 assists.
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Lea Petitjean scored a career-high 5 points and grabbed a career-high 3 rebounds.
Up Next
Next up, the Scarlet Hawks take on Edgewood University at home on Saturday, January 17th, at 1 p.m. at the Keating Sports Center in another NACC matchup.
