AUSTIN, Texas — Genesis Bryant led Illinois with 17 points, propelling No. 8 Illinois to a memorable 66-57 victory over No. 9 Creighton on Saturday night. This triumph marked Illinois’s first NCAA Tournament win in a quarter of a century.
The Fighting Illini delivered a stifling defensive performance, putting a damper on Creighton’s perimeter shooting while also excelling in rebounding. Kendall Bostic was a key player for Illinois, contributing 12 points and an impressive 17 rebounds. With this victory, Illinois, boasting a 22-9 record, progresses to face top-seeded Texas (32-3) in the second round on Monday. Texas secured their spot by defeating William & Mary with a decisive 105-61 result.
“This is a dream come true, just making it to the tournament and then winning,” expressed Adalia McKenzie of Illinois, who also added 14 points to her team’s effort. “We’re motivated to continue,” McKenzie stated. “Our desire to win is stronger than ever, and we are fully prepared.”
For Creighton, Morgan Maly led with 18 points, closely followed by Lauren Jensen with 17. The Bluejays, despite boasting top scorers who have collectively surpassed 2,000 career points, struggled to find their rhythm against Illinois’s formidable defense. Shooting a mere 36% from the field and converting only 6 out of 22 three-point attempts, Creighton found themselves stifled throughout the match.
Caught in a tight game, Creighton coach Jim Flanery acknowledged the pressure his team faced. “It felt like every time we got close, they would respond with pivotal plays that pushed them ahead,” Flanery admitted.
Creighton narrowed the gap to 58-54 late in the game following a swift layup by Jensen. However, the game tilted back in Illinois’s favor when Berry Wallace seized an offensive rebound and converted it into an easy basket after Bryant’s missed free throws.
“Her ability to maintain composure and make that play was incredible,” Bryant commended the freshman Wallace. “She’s consistently delivered key performances this season.”
Coach Shauna Green encouraged her Illinois squad to embrace the triumph, highlighting the importance of this victory beyond merely appearing in the tournament. After capturing last year’s WBIT championship, the ambition was clear—to not just participate in the NCAA Tournament but to achieve victories.
“This win held immense significance,” Green reflected. “We’ve aimed for the NCAA Tournament and championships all season. The players’ resilience paid off, and this victory is much deserved,” Green added.
The game showcased Illinois’s dominance in rebounding and second-chance opportunities, outmatching Creighton 42-32 in boards and 32-22 in second-chance points, demonstrating their physical edge. Despite a challenging period marked by a four-game losing streak since February 16, Illinois emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, Creighton, with a veteran squad featuring four seniors, entered their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament. Optimistic for a deeper run, their journey ended earlier than anticipated, not advancing past the second round since 2022.
A pivotal moment came when Illinois responded to Creighton’s rally from a 12-point deficit with back-to-back three-pointers by Brynn Shoup-Hill, a moment that shifted the momentum. On the other side, Creighton’s men’s team also experienced disappointment, exiting in the second round after a loss to Auburn.
