Chicago, Ill — Women's Basketball (4-20, 2-14 NACC) clinched a tight victory over Rockford University (1-23, 1-15 NACC) in their final home game of the year with a final of 56-52 . The win was fueled by a defensive effort that included nine steals and a career offensive day put together by senior Grace Goodnough in her final home game. 

How it Happened

Illinois Tech and Rockford went toe-to-toe in the first quarter, with the Scarlet Hawks carving out a slim 14-12 lead. Berit Rusing set the tone early, sinking a jumper just 15 seconds into the game. Grace Goodnough bolstered the Hawks' lead with a smooth jumper in the paint, thanks to an assist from Rusing. Rockford's Nia and Kyla Wilkerson answered back with consecutive 3-pointers, momentarily nudging the Regents ahead 6-4. Halle Williams responded with back-to-back layups, putting Illinois Tech back in front. Miabella Spica's layup at 2:22 extended the lead to four points, but a late layup by Kyla Wilkerson narrowed the gap to two at the end of the quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Rusing found Camden Joko for a three-pointer, widening Illinois Tech's lead. Rockford cut into the Hawks' advantage with a jumper from Kyla Wilkerson and a free throw by Theresa McCarver, bringing the score to 18-15. Williams was pivotal, netting consecutive layups, assisted by Spica, pushing Illinois Tech ahead 22-17. Amanda Wang drilled a three-pointer off an Abigail Marino assist, solidifying the lead. Despite a buzzer-beater jumper by Kyla Wilkerson, the Hawks carried a 25-19 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, Illinois Tech held onto a narrow lead, ending the period up 41-36. Goodnough was instrumental, adding crucial baskets, including a layup assisted by Spica. Rockford's Te Simpson kept it close with steady scoring, but Illinois Tech's knack for capitalizing on free throws and second-chance points preserved their edge.

The fourth quarter saw Rockford briefly seize the lead at 40-41 with a layup by Kyla Wilkerson at 8:07. However, the Scarlet Hawks responded with a decisive 10-point run, highlighted by key plays from Goodnough and Chloe Churilla, to stretch the lead to 51-44 with 4:08 left. Despite a late three by Wilkerson, Illinois Tech sealed the victory, 56-52, with clutch free throws from Goodnough and Rusing.

**Scarlet Hawk Standouts**

Grace Goodnough  
- 23 points  (New career high)
- 10 field goals made  
- 5 rebounds  

Berit Rusing  
- 7 points  
- 5 assists  
- 2 steals  

Halle Williams  
- 10 points  
- 4/6 field goals made  
- 2 steals  

Miabella Spica  
- 9 rebounds  
- 3 assists  
- 1 steal  

**Rockford Top Performers**

Te Simpson  
- 20 points  
- 12 rebounds  
- 3 assists  

Kyla Wilkerson  
- 19 points  
- 3 3-pointers  

Nia Wilkerson  
- 5 points  
- 5 assists  
- 3 steals  

Theresa McCarver  
- 3 steals  
- 7 rebounds  

**Game Notes:**
- The Scarlet Hawks improved to 3-8 lifetime against Rockford, winning the last 2 matchups.


Up Next 

Illinois Tech hits the road to close the season as they are set to face Edgewood University in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.