INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WCIA) – Illinois women’s basketball is marching on in the Big Ten Tournament after beating No. 19 Michigan State on Thursday.

The Illini won 71-69 to advance to Friday’s tournament quarterfinals.

The Illini outscored the Spartans in each of the first two quarters, leading by seven at halftime.

The Spartans made a push after the breaking, scored 40 second half points compared to 29 in the first half.

MSU had the ball, down by two, in the final ten seconds but turned it over. Illinois successfully inbounded the ball to freshman Destiny Jackson who was able to dribble out the clock without being fouled.

A balanced attack boosted the Illini offensively, with five players in double figures, led by freshman Cearah Parchment with 15 points. Illinois’ win came despite a career night for Spartan guard Kennedy Blair, she scored 30 points.

Illinois improves to 21-10 on the season with the win, its third win against a ranked opponent on the year.

The Illini advance to play the tournament’s No. 2 seed, Iowa, on Thursday in the tournament quarterfinals. The meeting with the Hawkeyes is set for a 5:30 p.m. CT tip-off and will air on Big Ten Network.

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