Northwestern University Athletics
Illinois Up Next For Northwestern
2/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 4, 2004
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EVANSTON, Ill. - Illinois is traveling to Evanston Thursday for the 50th meeting between the Fighting Illini and the Wildcats. Northwestern holds a 31-18 advantage in the all-time series history, and the 'Cats are hungry to increase that margin while earning their first Big Ten victory.
On Sunday vs. Penn State, the Wildcats played a spirited game, keeping the then-No. 5/6 Lady Lions close throughout the game. Despite being down by nine twice, the 'Cats came back to tie the game before getting into foul trouble in the last four minutes. NU also held the Big Ten's all-time leading scorer (men's and women's), Kelly Mazzante, to only 12 points in the contest after previously averaging 22 ppg.
Freshman Alex Mueller continues to impress, leading the 'Cats in Big Ten scoring with her 10.4 ppg. The Nordlingen, Germany native is shooting a team-high .408 from beyond the arc (min. 20 att.) and is second behind Ifeoma Okonkwo with her overall .430 FG pct.
Okonkwo is second in both overall and league scoring (10.7, 9.3 ppg) but leads the Wildcats in rebounds, averaging 6.3 overall and 6.2 in the Big Ten. The sophomore from Spring, Texas also leads NU in steals.
Other 'Cats leading the way are Melissa Culver (first in assists with 49), Sarah Kwasinski (first in blocked shots with 24) and freshman Breanne Smilie (first in assists, league games with 27).
Illinois is coming off a win over Michigan on Sunday by the score of 94-78. Its other Big Ten win came against Ohio State, 52-51. Angelina Williams is leading the Fighting Illini in scoring, averaging 16.1 ppg. and Cindy Dallas, who is averaging a team-leading 9.8 rpg, could break the Illinois career rebounding record on Thursday as the senior needs just seven boards to top that list.
Thursday is Seniors Night and ladies Night at Welsh-Ryan Arena. All senior citizens (60 & over), ladies and girls will be admitted for only $1.
A LOOK AHEAD
The Wildcats head to Michigan State on Sunday. NU then returns to Welsh-Ryan for two games the week on February 9 (Indiana, Purdue) before closing out the regular season with three on the road (Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan). February 15 (vs. the Boilermakers) will serve as senior night, honoring Michelle Zylstra, Kristin Ambrose and Suzi Sutton.
