CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The rivalry between the Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes played out on the hardwood in a captivating series that left the Illini at a .500 mark for the 2024 season. In a weekend split between the men's and women's teams, both squads experienced highs and lows in the intense Quad Cities Border War.
On Saturday, the men's team, under the leadership of coach Brad Underwood, secured a hard-fought victory in Champaign, defeating the Hawkeyes 95-85. The win marked a significant milestone as No. 12 Illinois reached the twenty-win mark for the season, boasting a record of 20-7 overall and 11-5 in the Big Ten Conference.
However, Sunday brought a different tale as Shauan Green's women's team faced a tough challenge at Carver Hawkeye Arena, succumbing to a 101-85 defeat. The women's team, now standing at 13-13 overall and 7-9 in the Big Ten, faced a formidable Hawkeyes squad.
In the men's game, Illinois Forward Coleman Hawkins was the leading scorer with a career-high 30 points on 9-11 shooting. Despite his stellar performance, Hawkins also faced challenges, turning the ball over five times. The men's team showcased resilience and skill, securing a crucial Big Ten victory.
In the women's game, Iowa's victory was fueled by Caitlin Clark's impressive triple-double (24 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists). All Big Ten Guard Makria Cook led Illinois with 26 points, contributing three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Illini men's team received an unexpected boost from freshman Niccolo Moretti, who, despite limited appearances in only nine games, played a pivotal role. Moretti's career-high 18 minutes on the court resulted in nine points and two rebounds, providing a much-needed spark.
Reflecting on Moretti, Hawkins acknowledged his impact, stating, "Nicco adds a different pace; he’s an extra passer and then a little bit of a bite on defense."
Following the women's game, Coach Green praised her team's efforts in containing Clark, recognizing the challenges of guarding a player of her caliber.
"I really thought we did a good job overall on Caitlin," she said. Junior wing Adalia McKenzie and freshman Gretchen Dolan were credited for their defensive efforts, holding Clark scoreless in the second quarter and limiting her field goal efficiency.
Green’s crew finished the game with five players in double-figures. Along with Cook, Genesis Bryant finished with 19 points, Kendall Bostic recorded 10 points and 17 rebounds, Camille Hobby added 12 points and junior wing McKenzie finished with 13 points.
As the Quad Cities Border War unfolded, Illinois basketball showcased the highs and lows that come with intense conference matchups. The men's team celebrated a crucial win, while the women's team faced a formidable opponent in the Hawkeyes, providing fans with a weekend filled with basketball drama.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel