Illinois women dominate Canisius in coach's return to Buffalo
- Kendall Bostic led the Illinois team in scoring with 16 points, while Adalia McKenzie contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds.
- Illinois established a significant lead in the first half and maintained it, despite a challenge from Canisius in the third quarter.
- This game marked a notable triumph for Illinois in coach Shauna Green's return to her former school, highlighting the team's strong performance.
In a women's college basketball game held on December 2, 2024, at the Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, New York, the No. 21 ranked Illinois team secured a 68-55 victory against Canisius. This matchup not only showcased a competitive game but also marked a significant moment for Illinois coach Shauna Green, a former standout player for the Golden Griffins, who made her return to her hometown. The game served as a poignant reunion, highlighting Green's history with Canisius, where she remains the all-time leading scorer. The Golden Griffins continued to struggle against ranked teams, suffering their 12th consecutive defeat in such matchups. Illinois began the game strong, with Brynn Shoup-Hill and Kendall Bostic leading the scoring, together contributing 15 of the team's 19 points in the first quarter. This early dominance set the tone, as Illinois went into halftime with a solid 39-28 lead. In the second half, Illinois maintained their lead, stretching it to 15 points after scoring the first four points of the third quarter. Despite their efforts, Canisius fought back, narrowing the lead to 47-42 late in the third quarter. However, Illinois responded decisively with key plays, including a 3-pointer from Genesis Bryant and a fast-break layup by Jasmine Brown-Hagger. Brown-Hagger finished the game with 13 points, aiding her team's offense as Illinois established a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter. The Illinois defense was notably impressive, limiting their opponents to just 15 points or fewer in 25 of the 32 regulation periods played this season, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court. Canisius, with their record now at 1-6, faced another challenge ahead with their upcoming game against Akron, while Illinois prepared to face No. 12 Ohio State in their Big Ten opener. This victory for Illinois reaffirms their strong season performance thus far and highlights the challenges facing Canisius in the competitive landscape of college basketball.