CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — Berry Wallace scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Illinois to an 84-64 victory over Murray State in a nonconference women’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at State Farm Center.

The Fighting Illini never trailed, opening the game on a 10-2 run and building a 25-16 lead after the first quarter. Illinois extended its advantage to 47-30 by halftime and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half before a crowd of 14,361.

Illinois improved to 3-1 on the season while Murray State fell to 3-2.

Wallace, a 6-foot-1 guard from Pickerington, Ohio, was efficient from the field and the free-throw line, making 7 of 12 shots and all six of her free throw attempts in 38 minutes of action. She was complemented by Destiny Jackson, who added 18 points, four rebounds and five assists for the Illini.

Murray State was led by Keslyn Secrist with 17 points and four rebounds, while Halli Poock and Sharnecce Currie-Jelks added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Currie-Jelks also pulled down eight rebounds.

The game was decided by Illinois’ offensive efficiency and dominance in the paint. The Illini scored 38 points in the paint compared to Murray State’s 22 and shot 46.8% from the field while holding the Racers to 35.5% shooting. Illinois also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 20 of 22 attempts, while Murray State struggled, converting only 12 of 21.

Illinois controlled the tempo from the opening tip, with Wallace and Jackson combining for 40 points through the first three quarters. The Illini’s defensive pressure forced 17 Murray State turnovers, which they converted into 15 points.

The Racers, who entered the game averaging 84.5 points per contest, were held to their lowest scoring output of the young season. Murray State’s previous low was 60 points in a loss to South Dakota State on Nov. 11.

Illinois returns to action Sunday at Florida State, while Murray State hosts UAB on Saturday.