University of Oregon
2-0
Illinois
2-2
Ducks Defeat Illinois Behind 31 Points From Johnson
11/19/11 | Women's Basketball
Although the Ducks were up 49-33 at the end of the first half of play, the Illini went on a 23-9 run to open the second half of play that gave Illinois a short-lived one-point advantage off a tip-in by Kersten Magrum, 56-55. Johnson, who had a key 20-point first-half performance, came right back down on Oregon's next possession and hit a big three pointer off the dish from senior Nia Jackson to put UO back up 58-56.
Oregon allowed the Illini to make another intense run, but sophomore Danielle Love grabbed an offensive rebound off the missed three-pointer by Johnson and put it back to put UO within two, 63-65. Illinois committed a foul on their next possession giving the ball back to Oregon and once again Johnson came up with an elbow jumper to tie the game up at 65-65.
But it was the combination of senior Jasmin Holliday and Johnson down the stretch that cemented the win for the Ducks. With 1:51 left in the game, Holliday was fouled by Adrienne Godbold sending her to the charity stripe. Holliday knocked down the free throws, giving Oregon a 73-72 lead. After consecutive 30 second timeouts taken, UO set up Johnson for a three pointer, but Karisma Penn came up with the big block. Holliday grabbed the board and went back up with a jumper to give the Ducks a 75-72 lead.
Penn missed the Illini's next layup on the long pass down the court, but went right back up on the tip-in to cut the lead down to one at 75-74 with 28 seconds left. Lydia McCully fouled Johnson and she stepped up to the line to make sure that Oregon was able to secure the victory.
The Ducks finished the game shooting 44 percent from the floor, including a scorching 51 percent in the first half. Oregon also hit eight three-pointers in the first 20 minutes, good for 53 percent.
Both Johnson and Holliday tallied double-doubles in the game with Johnson grabbing 11 rebounds to go with her 31 - one point short of her career high. Holliday recorded 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, as well.
The Illini had four in double-figure scoring, Magrum led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Amber Moore added 22 points and knocked down six three-pointers to score 22 points.
NEXT: Oregon will play its third consecutive game of a six-game homestand on Sunday, hosting defending Big Sky Conference co-champion Portland State in a rare 7 p.m. weekend tip-off.
PROMO: $3 DAY - SUNDAY
Fans will be able to purchase $3 general admission tickets for Sunday's evening game against the Vikings.
Notes: Amanda Johnson's five 3-pointers are a new career high...Amanda Johnson also recorded the 22nd double-double of her career with 31 points and 11 rebounds...Amanda Johnson's 1,196 career points now rank 14th all-time at Oregon...Jasmin Holliday scored the 600th point of her career, now with 604 ...Jasmin Holliday recorded the third double-double of her career with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
