“It’s a great opportunity”: Role Players Step Up for Injured Illini
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.** — Illinois head coach Shauna Green was forced to shuffle her lineups in Thursday’s dominant win, as the Illini dealt with a roster riddled with injuries. With Makira Cook out unexpectedly and five-star freshman Berry Wallace still sidelined, Green had to make adjustments. Despite these challenges, Illinois cruised to an 84-37 victory over Eastern Illinois.
“We’ve had to deal with some adversity with injuries,” Green acknowledged.
However, the Illini didn’t let the absences of Cook and Wallace derail their performance. Multiple players rose to the occasion. Kendall Bostic continued her usual strong play, while Jasmine Brown-Hagger delivered a breakout performance.
“Jas had an outstanding game, and KB was solid again with another double-double,” Green said.
Brown-Hagger couldn’t seem to miss as the game wore on. When Genesis Bryant was pulled in the second half of the blowout, it was Brown-Hagger’s chance to shine. She finished with a career-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including three three-pointers.
“I was just taking what the defense gave me. Coach always tells me, ‘If you’re open, shoot it,’” Brown-Hagger said.
The Panthers had no answer for Brown-Hagger, especially in the second half when she took over.
Brown-Hagger, who transferred from Mississippi State, is in her first season at Illinois. Her performance Thursday night raises the question of whether she’ll take on an even larger role moving forward.
“It’s a great opportunity. You look at our injuries as a chance for other players to step up,” Green said.
Green had emphasized this mindset with her team before the game, and it clearly resonated. It wasn’t just Brown-Hagger who made an impact.
Gretchen Dolan filled in for Cook in the starting lineup and had an impressive game, particularly on defense, finishing with a career-high 13 points.
As Illinois heads into Big Ten play, despite continuing injury concerns, the team appears energized. The depth of the roster has been on display, with true freshman Hayven Smith getting solid minutes in the first half. Later, Smith and fellow freshman Mia Zenere both scored their first collegiate points.
Jasmine Brown-Hagger.
In fact, every player who saw the court Thursday night managed to score, a rarity in college basketball.
With the season ahead, Coach Green will need everyone ready to contribute, and it seems the players are prepared to do just that. The Illini’s next challenge comes Monday against Le Moyne, as they look to improve to 4-0.
