CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois women’s basketball team opened its season with a decisive 91-67 victory over Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday night at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini took control with a dominant 29-point third quarter, pulling away after leading 43-31 at halftime. The Redhawks mounted a late push with 24 points in the final period, but the deficit was too large to overcome. A crowd of 4,227 watched Illinois begin its season 1-0, while Southeast Missouri State starts 0-1.