CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (0-1) fell to Illinois (1-0) by a final score of 91-67 at the State Farm Center on Tuesday. The Redhawks capitalized on free throws, scoring 24 points from the line, but could not overcome Illinois' 44 points in the paint.

First Quarter
- Illinois took an early lead with Gretchen Dolan scoring two quick jumpers, assisted by Destiny Jackson, for a 4-2 advantage.
- The Redhawks responded with a jumper by Kearra Jones, reducing the deficit to 6-4, and Lexi McCully later scored again to keep the team within striking distance.
- Cearah Parchment of Illinois contributed with a layup and free throws, extending Illinois' lead to 12-4 midway through the quarter.
- McCully hit a three-pointer for the Redhawks in the final minute, cutting Illinois' lead to 17-15, but free throws by Hayven Smith secured a 19-15 lead for Illinois at the end of the quarter.

Second Quarter
- Maddie Webber's layup off a steal put Illinois ahead early in the quarter.
- Charmen Taylor responded with a jumper for Southeast Missouri, assisted by Noelani Dunn.
- Illinois maintained their momentum with points in the paint, highlighted by Berry Wallace's layups.
- Ainya Williams recorded a block for the Redhawks, but Illinois continued to extend their lead, finishing the quarter strong with Irene Noya Catoira's buzzer-beating layup.

Third Quarter
- Illinois started the quarter with efficient shooting, connecting on 11 of 16 baskets and building momentum with early shots in the paint.
- Taylor contributed with a layup and later assisted on teammates' plays, keeping the Redhawks alive in the third frame. 
- Illinois capitalized on turnovers, with Destiny Jackson and Parchment leading the defensive efforts, resulting in four steals.
- Wallace and Webber were key contributors for Illinois, each adding points from the paint and helping extend the lead.

Fourth Quarter
- The Redhawks began with a successful free throw sequence by Aa'Mya Stacker, followed by Kearra Jones connecting on a three-pointer to narrow the deficit.
- Illinois maintained momentum with Webber's layup and a subsequent 3-pointer from Wallace, extending their lead.
- Madison Ayers contributed with consecutive free throws and a fast-break layup by Taylor to keep scoring pressure on Illinois.
- Illinois closed the quarter with a pair of free throws from Jasmine Brown-Hagger, securing a 91-67 victory.

SEMO Top Performers
Lexi McCully  
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- 16 points  
- 5/14 baskets made  
- 2/7 three-pointers made  

Charmen Taylor  
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- 11 points  
- 3/4 free throws made  
- 1 steal  

Madison Ayers  
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- 7 points  
- 7/8 free throws made  
- 1 steal  

Aa'Mya Stacker  
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- 5 points  
- 7 rebounds  
- 3/4 free throws made  

Game Notes:
- Eight Redhawks made their SEMO debut at Illinois

Looking ahead, the Redhawks will face Evansville on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. The game will take place at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.