Illinois rides third-quarter shooting barrage to victory at Purdue

Berry Wallace scored a game-high 21 points to lead Illinois to an 83-73 road win over Purdue. The Illini never trailed and used a dominant third quarter to pull away. The win extended Illinois’ streak to 10 games.

---

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - Berry Wallace set the tone on the game’s first possession and never let it slip away. The junior delivered her most productive Big Ten performance to date, anchoring Illinois through momentum swings and a decisive second-half surge.

Wallace scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Illinois pulled away for an 83-73 road win over Purdue on Sunday at Mackey Arena. The victory extended the Fighting Illini’s winning streak to 10 games and moved them to 2-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Illinois struck first when Wallace finished a layup after the opening tip, part of a 6-0 start that set an early rhythm. The Illini, opening the game 3-for-3 from the field, built a 28-18 advantage after one quarter and had to glance over their shoulder periodically as Purdue methodically tried to keep the contest competitive. Wallace scored 12 of her points after halftime, including eight during a pivotal third quarter that pushed the lead into double digits.

"We came out really strong and put up 28 points in the first quarter," said Illini head coach Shauna Green, highlighting the team's early lead on the Boilermakers. "I thought our defense was great. We were scoring and that kept them out of transition where they thrive at."

Gretchen Dolan complemented Wallace with a steady, efficient outing. The senior finished with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting, went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line and added three assists and two steals. Dolan poured in 15 second-half points and posted a team-best plus-minus of plus-14, marking her 11th double-digit scoring game of the season and the 18th of her career.

---

Every time they made a run, we came back and made plays when we had to.

---

Maddie Webber provided an immediate spark off the bench, checking in midway through the first quarter and scoring 11 of her 12 points in the opening period. Webber knocked down all four of her shots, including three from beyond the arc, helping Illinois maintain control early.

After Purdue closed within 40-38 at halftime, Illinois seized the game in the third quarter.

"I thought we came out really strong," Green said after the break. "At halftime, we talked about getting back to us, defending and taking care of the basketball."

The Illini outscored the Boilermakers 27-15 in the period and closed it on an 8-0 run, holding Purdue scoreless for the final 2:36 to build a 67-53 lead.

Cearah Parchment added 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals, going 10-for-11 at the free-throw line while leading Illinois’ work on the glass.

Illinois finished with a 35-26 rebounding edge, including a 21-11 advantage in the second half, and converted 16 Purdue turnovers into 23 points. The win marked Illinois’ first at Purdue since 2015 and improved the Illini to 12-1 overall.

"I give our kids a lot of credit," Green said, commenting on the team's overall performance. "In an environment like this, we had to withstand multiple runs and we did it. Every time they made a run, we came back and made plays when we had to."

---

More Sports Stories

TAGS: Illinois women’s basketball road win at Purdue, Berry Wallace career high Big Ten game, Illinois vs Purdue women’s basketball recap, Fighting Illini 10-game winning streak, Illinois women’s basketball 2025 Big Ten start