Wallace Scores 29 as No. 25 Illinois Holds Off Northwestern 74-71
Powered by Berry Wallace’s career night, Illinois leaned on a commanding rebounding edge to withstand a late push from the Wildcats.
Overview
- Berry Wallace delivered a career-high 29 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to steady Illinois in the final minutes.
- Freshman Cearah Parchment posted 10 points and 11 rebounds and split two free throws with nine seconds left for the final margin.
- Northwestern erased a 15-point deficit to set up a one-possession finish before Caroline Lau’s potential tying three missed at the buzzer.
- Illinois controlled the glass 42-27 with 18 offensive rebounds, turning second chances into the separation needed down the stretch.
- The Illini improved to 15-4 and 5-3 in Big Ten play, matching the program’s best start and extending their series streak to seven, with a trip to No. 24 Nebraska next as Northwestern hosts No. 3 UCLA on Jan. 25.