CHAMPAIGN — Illinois entered Big Ten play last season on a three-game losing streak, Cierra Rice injured, transfer forward Simone Law sidelined for the year with her own injury and three players — Chatrice White, Kyley Simmons and Alex Wittinger — the only true consistent offensive options.
The Illini went on to finish 2-16 in the Big Ten and 9-23 overall.
Illinois enters Wednesday’s Big Ten opener against Iowa at State Farm Center having lost to Central Michigan and Ohio by a combined 43 points, Rice injured again, transfer forward Cydnee Kinslow also hurt and doubtful to play this season and now just two players — Wittinger and freshman guard Brandi Beasley — truly shouldering the offensive burden for the 5-8 Illini.