Genesis Bryant shines in Illinois Women’s Basketball Opener

Genesis Bryant has a career-high 32 points against the Eagles.

Illinois women’s basketball began their season with a 20-point victory against the Morehead State Eagles on Tuesday night. Senior guard Genesis Bryant led the way with a career-high 32 points in their home opener at State Farm Arena. Senior forward Kenall Bostic added a double-double (15 points, 13 rebounds) in the win. The Illini women led 20-11 after the first quarter and never trailed in the game. On opening night, second-year head coach Shauna Green’s lineup featured a cast of familiar players.

Bryant and Bostic were joined by  Adalia McKenzie, Jada Peebles, and Brynn Shoup-Hill in the starting lineup on Monday. The Illini shot 51% from the field and scored 38 points in the paint.

Illinois started fast, scoring within the first 15 seconds of action to kickstart a 13-2 run to open the game. All five starters registered a bucket within the first four minutes of play during that stretch. Morehead State used a 9-2 run to cut its deficit to four late in the frame, but the Illini closed the first quarter with five straight points to hold a 20-11 lead through 10 minutes of action.

The Illini started to get into a better flow offensively early in the second quarter, scoring on five consecutive field-goal attempts to go on a 15-2 run over three minutes. Leading by as many as 22 in the first half, Illinois eventually took a 44-24 advantage into the break.

Bryant led all scorers with 15 first-half points, while Bostic shot 100% from the field and nearly notched a first-half double-double with 11 points and a team-high seven rebounds. All four Illini newcomers recorded minutes in the opening half, while the Orange and Blue forced 12 turnovers and dominated the lane with 24 points in the paint through 20 minutes.

Bryant Leading a new era of Illinois Women’s basketball.

The North Carolina State transfer has an appropriate name, considering what’s happening in Champaign. Bryant, Bostic, and second-year head coach Shauna Green led the formation of a new era of Illinois Women’s basketball. The Illini were ranked in the preseason for the first time since 1999-2000. Last season’s appearance in the NCAA tournament was their first appearance in March Madness since 2002-2003.

Illinois travel to Milwaukee to play Marquette on Saturday.

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