CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois Fighting Illini women’s basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with a commanding 91-67 victory over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on Tuesday night at a spirited State Farm Center.

Playing before a crowd of 4,227, the Fighting Illini used a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away from the visiting Redhawks and secure a win that was largely in line with pregame expectations. Interstat’s ELO system had given Illinois a 99.80 percent probability of victory, and the home team lived up to that billing with a comprehensive performance.

The game’s first half was a more competitive affair. Southeast Missouri State kept pace in the opening quarter, trailing by just four points after ten minutes of play. The Redhawks continued to battle in the second period, but Illinois began to find its offensive rhythm, outscoring Southeast Missouri State to take a 43-31 lead into the halftime break.

Any hopes of a Redhawks comeback were extinguished in a decisive third quarter. The Fighting Illini came out of the locker room with intensified defensive pressure and a blistering offensive attack, outscoring Southeast Missouri State 29-12 in the period. The 17-point swing effectively put the game out of reach, giving Illinois a 72-43 advantage heading into the final frame. The Redhawks showed fight in the fourth quarter, registering their highest scoring output of the night, but the deficit was far too large to overcome.

The victory was spearheaded by a phenomenal performance from Illinois forward Berry Wallace. In 35 minutes of action, Wallace recorded a double-double, pouring in a game-high 27 points while hauling in 11 rebounds. Her presence in the paint was a defining factor, as she consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities and controlled the glass.

Wallace was ably supported by guard Gretchen Dolan, who stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, five rebounds and a team-high seven assists. Dolan’s playmaking was crucial in breaking down the Redhawks’ defense and setting up her teammates for high-percentage shots. Fellow guard Maddie Webber also contributed 16 points, providing a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter.

The Illini’s offensive success was built on efficiency and capitalizing on mistakes. Illinois scored 44 points in the paint, doubling Southeast Missouri State’s output, and converted Redhawks turnovers into 21 points. The team’s ball movement was also evident, with Destiny Jackson tallying six assists to go along with her six points and four rebounds. The Illinois bench provided valuable contributions as well, with Lety Vasconcelos adding seven points and six rebounds and Cearah Parchment chipping in eight points.

For Southeast Missouri State, the season-opening loss dropped its record to 0-1. The Redhawks were led by Lexi McCully, who scored 16 points in 28 minutes of play. Aa’Mya Stacker battled inside to grab a team-high seven rebounds, while Kearra Jones provided a spark off the bench with nine points. The team’s late surge, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter, offered a glimpse of offensive potential they will look to build upon.

The game was the first of a challenging early slate for the Redhawks, who will look to even their record quickly. They return to action in just two days, hosting Evansville on Thursday. That contest begins a three-game homestand that also includes a game against Missouri State on Nov. 11. The Redhawks will then hit the road for games at Wichita State, Arizona State, and San Diego before the end of the month.

For the Fighting Illini, the win marks a positive start as they look to build momentum in non-conference play. Their schedule continues at home on Sunday against in-state foe Illinois State. A significant early test awaits on Nov. 14 with a road trip to face Oregon State. The Illini’s non-conference schedule also features home games against Murray State, Western Kentucky, and a Dec. 6 Big Ten Conference showdown against Indiana.

The comprehensive nature of the victory provides a solid foundation for Illinois as it embarks on the new season. The combination of a dominant post presence, efficient guard play, and a deep bench proved too much for Southeast Missouri State to handle, allowing the Fighting Illini to start the year on a high note.