Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

November 4, 2022

Illini Women vs Quincy courtesy Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys

The Illini women rolled to a 78-43 exhibition victory in our first look at Shauna Green’s new look Illini. The Illini got out in transition and ran the floor while playing some stifling defense. Transfer Genesis Bryant led the way with 25 points including 5 triples, while Adalia McKenzie added 21. Kendall Bostic had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks to lead the interior crew. 

Player of the Game 

1. The ‘IlliniGal’ Adalia McKenzie was the key for Illinois in this one. Her ability to get to the rim and the line are what make her special, and when she is hitting 3’s - look out! McKenzie finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists while playing lock down defense as well. 
2. Genesis Bryant scored 25 her first time in an Illini uniform and is the long-range shooter the Illini needed to add. The transfer from NC State is our Special Mention Player of the game. 

Stat-O-Matic

1. For a team that struggled shooting the ball from distance a year ago (31.8%), it is very encouraging to see them hit 50% from 3 in this one. (8-16). That will open up driving lanes for Cook and McKenzie and some interior work from the bigs. 
2. Illinois won the rebounding battle 38-37 over Quincy and allowed 11 offensive rebounds. If you know Shauna Green, you know that will be a point of emphasis this week. 

Shauna Green post-game press conference after Quincy exhibition courtesy Brad Sturdy, IlliniGuys

Three Takeaways

1. This team is much more fun to watch. They will push it up and down and shoot it when open. They have some quality athletes at guard as well as some bigs that although a bit undersized, are more mobile and athletic than some previous groups. 
2. The Illini will struggle to matchup inside with some teams, but they should be able to get up and down and hang with more teams than the past few seasons. They will go as far as the bigs will take them. 
3. They still lack some depth off of the bench as the younger players still need to develop and they have 3 open scholarships. There is still work to be done, but Green has already upgraded the roster and is in the process of adding more and more. 

Next Up

The Illini host Long Island U at 7 PM on Wednesday, November 9th in the first official game of the Shauna Green era.