Monday, Nov. 15 8:00pm ET
Illinois thumps Western Michigan
 
  RECAP | BOX SCORE

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Tauja Catchings scored 20 of her 32 points in the first half Monday night and Illinois blew out Western Michigan 112-73 in the first round of the Women's Preseason NIT.

Kylee Martin
Illinois' Kylie Martin, right, drives the lane on Western Michigan's Karen Deurloo.

Illinois (No. 12 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 Associated Press) will play Oklahoma State, a 73-55 winner over Northern Iowa, in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

Illinois shot 60 percent from the field for the game and was 8-for-12 from behind the 3-point line. The Illini jumped out to a 20-6 lead, and the game was never close.

Catchings also had 11 rebounds and seven assists in the season opener for both schools. Six Illinois players scored in double figures, with Kylie Martin and Allison Curtin each getting 15 points.

Freshman center Kristin Koetsier led Western Michigan with 29 points, while Shelsea Erving added 12 and Lisa Bruwer 11.

The Broncos shot 43 percent from the field but were just 3-for-20 on 3-point attempts.

 


ALSO SEE
Womens College Basketball Scoreboard

Western Michigan Clubhouse

Illinois Clubhouse


Preseason WNIT schedule, scores