CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois women’s basketball team opened its 2025-26 season with a decisive 91-67 victory over Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday night at State Farm Center, leveraging a dominant third-quarter performance to pull away for good.

A crowd of 4,227 watched as the Fighting Illini, heavily favored to win, used a 29-point third quarter to turn a competitive game into a comfortable lead. After holding a 43-31 advantage at halftime, Illinois outscored the Redhawks by 17 points in the pivotal period to enter the fourth quarter with a 72-43 command.

Berry Wallace led all players with a double-double, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for the Illini. She was complemented by backcourt mates Gretchen Dolan and Maddie Webber, who each added 16 points. Dolan also dished out a game-high seven assists.

The Illini’s offense operated with high efficiency, scoring 91 points on 81 possessions for an offensive rating of 112.1. They shot 53 percent from the field, connecting on 31 of 59 attempts, and were effective from the free-throw line, making 25 of 32. Their offense was fueled by a significant advantage in the paint, where they outscored Southeast Missouri State 44 to 24.

Southeast Missouri State, which fell to 0-1, was led by Lexi McCully’s 16 points. The Redhawks struggled with their shooting, making just 20 of 57 field goal attempts for a 35 percent clip. They were also plagued by 17 turnovers, which Illinois converted into 21 points.

Despite the lopsided score, the Redhawks showed fight in the final quarter, outscoring Illinois 24-19, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

With the win, Illinois begins its season 1-0 and will next host in-state rival Illinois State on Sunday. Southeast Missouri State looks for its first win when it returns home to face Evansville on Thursday.