Illinois earns statement win at No. 25 Washington

SEATTLE — Illinois finally breaks through on the road.

After weeks of narrow misses and ranked heartbreaks on the road, Illinois delivered its most complete performance of the season Sunday evening, knocking off No. 25 Washington 75-66 at Alaska Airlines Arena. The Illini controlled the paint, won the rebounding battle and leaned on a freshman who continues to look completely unfazed by the moment.

From the opening minutes, Illinois (16-6, 6-5 Big Ten) dictated the tone. Physical drives, extra possessions and a commitment to attacking inside kept Washington from ever settling in, even when the Huskies threatened late. The Illini led for nearly the entire game and never allowed the environment to flip momentum for long.

Cearah Parchment once again looked like the centerpiece. The freshman followed up her 25-point, 11-rebound performance against UCLA with another elite performance, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds, six of which were offensive boards. Her ability to score at all three levels stretched Washington’s defense thin and repeatedly punished late closeouts. It marked her third straight 20-plus point performance against ranked opponents — two of them on the road — and further solidified her role as Illinois’ most reliable spark as of late.

Berry Wallace provided the backbone as usual. The sophomore’s presence inside steadied the Illini through every Washington run, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds while consistently sealing defenders deep in the paint. Wallace’s offensive rebounding and free-throw shooting down the stretch helped Illinois maintain control when the game tightened in the fourth quarter.

Illinois’ advantage on the glass was the defining difference. The Illini outrebounded Washington 33–24, including 14 offensive boards that turned into crucial second-chance points. That extra effort allowed Illinois to survive stretches of pressure and maintain a cushion even when Washington ramped up its full-court defense late.

Defensively, Illinois was disciplined. The Illini crowded driving lanes, forced tough midrange looks and held Washington scoreless for extended stretches in the third quarter, creating separation that ultimately proved decisive. When Washington made its final push in the fourth, Illinois responded with poise by attacking the rim, drawing fouls and converting at the line.

The result was a long-awaited breakthrough: Illinois’ first ranked road win of the season and a performance that matched toughness with execution.

For a team that has shown flashes all year, Sunday felt different. It wasn’t just effort — it was control. With this win, and an impressive fight against UCLA last time out, the Illini hope to crack the AP top 25 again.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Maddie Webber with an early layup, she started the game 6/6 before missing 2 threes.

Berry Wallace dominated inside, sealing defenders for easy baskets and creating second-chance opportunities off offensive rebounds.

Behind a 23-point, 10-rebound night from freshman Cearah Parchment, Illinois closed with confidence.

STAT STUFFERS

• Illinois scored 40 points in the paint.
• The Illini only gave up 8 turnovers, while forcing 16 from Washington
• Cearah Parchment also had 4 steals.

UP NEXT

Illinois will look to build on its momentum as Big Ten play continues, carrying confidence from a road performance that finally matched its potential.

The Illini will head to Eugene to take on the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday at 8 p.m. The game will air on B1G+.