By IlliniGuys Staff

November 26, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

NASHVILLE, Tn. - 19th ranked Illinois has built an undefeated record and highest national ranking in nearly a quarter century all while staying at home.

They played the right chords in their first game at the Music City Classic in Nashville Tuesday afternoon.

Genesis Bryant scored a game-high and season-best 27 points as the Illini (6-0) disposed of Maryland Eastern-Shore 75-55 to win their 11th straight game, the nation's longest winning streak that began with last spring's run to the WBIT championship.

The victory gives Illinois its fifth 6-0 start in program history; two of those belong to Shauna Green. The third-year Illini coach won her first six games of the 2022-23 season.

Illinois jumped out to a 30-6 lead early in the second quarter and then maintained its advantage the rest of the game, even while going through a nearly seven-minute long field goal drought in the second half and without all-Big Ten performer Makira Cook, who scored 15 points despite sitting after halftime in an effort to control minutes with a date opposite 15th ranked Kentucky looming tomorrow night.

"I had two goals in this game; one was to get a decisive win and the other was to stay healthy. And we got both of those today, said Green on WDWS after the game.

Kendall Bostic posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, sharing top billing on the boards with teammate Brynn Shoup-Hill, who matched Bostic's 11 rebounds.

Zamara Haynes led Maryland-Eastern Shore (4-3) with 20 points.

Illinois rose to #19 in this week's Associated Press poll, their highest ranking since January, 2020. The Wildcats will be Illinois' second ranked opponent this season. They beat then-19th ranked Florida State in the season opener on November 7th.

That game is streaming only on BallerTV and is scheduled to tip off tomorrow night at 7pm CT.