NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a compelling matchup during the Music City Classic, Illinois’ Genesis Bryant showcased her skills by scoring 27 points, while teammate Kendall Bostic tallied her third double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The No. 19 ranked Illinois team secured a decisive victory over Maryland Eastern Shore, winning the game 75-55 on Tuesday.

With this win, Illinois improved its record to 6-0, marking the second occurrence of starting the season with an unbeaten streak under third-year head coach Shauna Green.

The Fighting Illini jumped off to a strong start, scoring the first nine points of the game. Their control solidified when Makira Cook hit a 3-pointer with just over two minutes left in the first quarter, initiating a powerful 13-2 run that set the tone for the match. Midway through the second quarter, UMES staged a brief comeback, scoring 13 unanswered points to close the gap to 32-22. However, Cook quickly responded with a crucial basket, breaking Illinois’ three-minute scoring drought.

By the end of the first half, Bryant had already accumulated 14 points and Cook contributed 13 as they helped establish a significant 43-26 lead for Illinois. Together, the duo was instrumental in achieving seven of Illinois’ total 14 field goals in the first half, while UMES struggled, hitting only 9 of 36 shots (25%) and failing to convert any of their seven attempts from beyond the arc.

In addition to Bryant’s standout performance, Cook added 15 points, and Brynn Shoup-Hill delivered a personal best with 11 rebounds. Bryant, who reached double digits in scoring during the first quarter, marked this game as her first occasion scoring over 20 points this season.

For UMES, Zamara Haynes was a bright spot, leading her team with 20 points, while Mahogany Lester supported with 14 points of her own.

Looking ahead, Illinois will remain in Nashville to face off against No. 14 Kentucky on Wednesday. In contrast, UMES will travel to Piscataway, New Jersey, to compete against Georgia Southern in the Battle on the Banks this upcoming Friday.