November 7, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Genesis Bryant scored a career-high 32 points to pick up for the injured Makira Cook as #23 Illinois routed Morehead State 81-61 in the season opener for both teams Tuesday night.

Cook, a preseason All-Big Ten pick, missed the game with an injury suffered in the exhibition win over Truman State on October 30th.

Bryant, a 2nd team All-Big Ten pick last season, hit 12-of-16 shots from the field on the way to eclipsing her previous career high of 24 points, scored in the upset win over Iowa last January.  The senior also dished out a team-high four assists.

Fellow senior Kendall Bostic picked up where she left off last season, delivering her 19th career double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Illinois (1-0) heads north for its first road test at Marquette on Saturday.  That's a 2pm tipoff and can be seen on FloTV.