Chicago, Ill — Women's Basketball (3-20, 1-14 NACC) soared to a commanding 62-35 victory over East-West University on Senior Day at the Keating Sports Center. With a dominant 51-33 rebounding advantage, the Scarlet Hawks controlled the game from start to finish.  Before the start of the contest, the six seniors on the roster were recognized for the dedication to the program over their careers.

How It Happened 

The Scarlet Hawks came out flying in the first quarter against the Phantoms. Chloe Churilla kicked off the scoring with a tip-in at 9:40, followed by Camden Joko's three-pointer at 7:46 to widen the gap. Grace Goodnough's multiple baskets, including a fastbreak jumper at 1:38, kept the momentum going. Nerea Del Olmo Perez nailed a three-pointer at 1:20, and Miabella Spica's buzzer-beater layup sealed a 21-7 lead for Illinois Tech at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Illinois Tech kept their foot on the gas, finishing with a 31-16 lead. Berit Rusing was everywhere, adding a steal and an assist to keep the Scarlet Hawks on top. Abigail Marino sank a three-pointer at 6:40, further stretching the lead. Despite some turnovers, the Phantoms managed a late three-pointer by Ariana Castro at the 20-second mark.

The third quarter saw Illinois Tech outscore the Phantoms 15-8. Goodnough was pivotal, grabbing a defensive rebound and sinking a jumper at 6:57, assisted by Joko. Churilla continued her impact with a layup at 3:17 and another basket at 1:39 after an offensive rebound. Morgan Applewhite's layup, assisted by Rusing at 0:21, kept the Scarlet Hawks in control.

The final quarter sealed the deal for Illinois Tech with solid play.  Castro opened the quarter with a three for the Phantoms, but Illinois Tech answered back with Goodnough's layup at 8:05 and Marino's fast-break layup, assisted by Goodnough at 6:46. Uma Peters chipped in five points, including a three-pointer, and Zainab Nazeer capped off the scoring with a three-pointer at 1:02 to collect her first points of her career clinch the 62-35 win.

Scarlet Hawk Highlights

Grace Goodnough
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- 12 points
- 6/9 field goals
- 7 rebounds

Chloe Churilla
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- 12 points
- 5/6 field goals
- 17 rebounds

Berit Rusing
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- 5 assists
- 4 steals
- 5 rebounds

Abigail Marino
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- 2 steals
- 6 rebounds

Phantoms Top Performers

Nyla Liberty
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- 5 points
- 7 rebounds
- 4 steals

Myana Lampley
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- 3 points
- 6 rebounds
- 4 steals

Kendra Hatley
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- 9 points
- 3 steals
- 3 rebounds

Game Notes:
- This marked the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
- The team reached a season-high with 62 points.
- Chloe Churilla notched a season-high 17 rebounds.
- Zainab Nazeer achieved a season-high with 3 points.
- All six graduating players scored at least 2 points in the game

Up next
Illinois Tech will take on Rockford University at the Keating Sports Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.