Once Again, No Makira Cook is No Problem For Illini Guard Genesis Bryant in 81-46 Blowout Win
For the second straight game, Illinois won a non-conference game without leading scorer Makira Cook in the lineup. Illini guard Genesis Bryant produces her first career triple-double in the 35-point win.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer
December 21, 2022
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- No Makira Cook, no problem for Illinois.
The Illini women’s basketball team clearly didn’t need its leading scorer on Wednesday afternoon as they easily closed out its non-conference slate with a more than comfortable 81-46 win over a Florida Atlantic team that arrived at State Farm Center having won eight of its first nine games.
The Illini (11-2), who are projected to be in ESPN’s NCAA Tournament field this week for the first time in over a decade, hit 13 three-point shots without the services of Makira Cook as the Dayton transfer is still battling flu-like symptoms. The baker’s dozen perimeter shots were the most this season, eclipsing the 14 made in a 92-71 victory at Pittsburgh in ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 30.
“The more that we spread the floor, we’re proving that we have multiple three-level scorers on this team,” Illinois head coach Shauna Green said.