Tigers Fall To Illinois, 80-62

Nov. 18, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Anne O’Neil scored 18 points, leading five Illinois players in double figures in an 80-62 victory over No. 16 Clemson as both opened the season Saturday.

Dawn Vana added 15 points, Shavonna Hunter 13, Allison Curtin 12 and Iveta Marcauskaite 11 for the Illini, which took a 21-11 lead in the first six minutes. Clemson got no closer than five points thereafter.

Erin Batth had 20 points and Chrissy Floyd 15 for Clemson.

Illinois outshot Clemson 46 percent to 40 percent and made 20 of 27 free throws.

The closest the Tigers got was 24-19, but Illinois went on a 12-7 run to enter halftime ahead 36-26. Illinois built its second-half lead to 50-36 before Clemson closed 64-58. But the Illini pulled away in the final minute as Vana scored the last five points.