TOLEDO - At 12-4 run helped Illinois close out its 62-55 WNIT win over Toledo Thursday night in Savage Arena.
The Rockets finished 29-4. Illinois, 19-13, advanced to face Kansas State, a 60-48 winner over Ball State.
In a battle between two of the nation's top defenses, the Illini were able to convert key field goals down the stretch, including a 3-pointer from Amber Brown that banked in of the glass as the guard was falling backwards with 3:16 left in regulation. That basket gave the visitors a 55-49 lead.
UT's Inma Zanoguera scored two field goals in the final minute to trim the deficit to five, but that was the closest UT could get.
The Rockets were hurt by 23 turnovers that were converted into 20 points for the Illini.
Zanoguera paced the Rockets with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists in a career-high 40 minutes.
Yolanda Richardson notched 12 points, going 6-of-6 from the field, and grabbed four boards.
The Rockets finished 29-4. Illinois, 19-13, advanced to face Kansas State, a 60-48 winner over Ball State.
In a battle between two of the nation's top defenses, the Illini were able to convert key field goals down the stretch, including a 3-pointer from Amber Brown that banked in of the glass as the guard was falling backwards with 3:16 left in regulation. That basket gave the visitors a 55-49 lead.
UT's Inma Zanoguera scored two field goals in the final minute to trim the deficit to five, but that was the closest UT could get.
The Rockets were hurt by 23 turnovers that were converted into 20 points for the Illini.
Zanoguera paced the Rockets with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists in a career-high 40 minutes.
Yolanda Richardson notched 12 points, going 6-of-6 from the field, and grabbed four boards.