Northwestern Set for Rivalry Matchup at Illinois

Sunday, January 27

Champaign, Ill.

2 p.m.

Northwestern

Illinois

Northwestern Set for Rivalry Matchup at Illinois

1/26/2019 12:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern [12-7, 5-3 Big Ten] looks to extend its three-game win streak when it takes on Big Ten foe Illinois [9-10, 1-7] at 2 p.m. C.T. Sunday, Jan. 27 at the State Farm Center.

The Wildcats enter the rivalry matchup after earning their third straight Big Ten win at Nebraska behind 21 points from sophomore Lindsey Pulliam and double-double eleven of the season from senior Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah.

Kunaiyi-Akpanah recorded ten points, 19 rebounds, four blocks and three assists to propel the 'Cats over Nebraska. 58-54. Her nineteen boards marked a season high and are her most in a game since grabbing 20 in a 63-50 win over Rutgers on Feb. 25, 2018.

The forward's 12.1 rebounds per game ranks second in the Big Ten during conference play, while her average of 5.5 offensive rebounds top the conference and have been fundamental in the Wildcats' offensive success. Her efforts have helped Northwestern outrebound their opponents by an average of 4.5, the top mark during conference play.

Northwestern held Nebraska to just 29.2 percent shooting for the game, marking the second-straight contest the 'Cats held their opponents under the 30 percent mark. Northwestern's defense has smothered its opponents in the Big Ten, checking in as the top-ranked in field goal percentage defense (35.2%) and scoring defense (57.1 points per game) in the conference.

The Wildcats face the Fighting Illini for the second time this season. Northwestern defeated Illinois, 68-45, on Dec. 31 in Welsh-Ryan Arena, the largest margin of victory over the in-state rival since 1990. Junior Abi Scheid posted her first double-double of her career with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Northwestern has won seven in a row in the matchup, dating back to the 2013-2014 season.

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