Illinois women's basketball pulls away from Detroit Mercy 84-50 in season opener

CHAMPAIGN - Illinois women's basketball beat Detroit Mercy 84-50 on Wednesday night at State Farm Center to open its season, according to the official box score. Illinois led 36-32 at halftime and outscored the Titans 48-18 after the break.

Berry Wallace had 21 points and 11 rebounds, five of them offensive, the box score shows. Cearah Parchment had 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting, with 11 rebounds and four blocks. Gretchen Dolan added 10 points, and Destiny Jackson had seven points and nine assists. Aaliyah Guyton scored nine off the bench.

Illinois outrebounded Detroit Mercy 53-23 and made 27 of 33 free throws, according to the box score. A 19-2 run to close the third quarter put Illinois ahead 63-39, the Illinois Athletics recap says. Naima Diawara led Detroit Mercy with 11 points.

Illinois (1-0) hosts Southern at 2 p.m. Saturday at State Farm Center, according to its schedule.

Source: Official box score, Illinois vs. Detroit Mercy, Nov. 4, 2026; Illinois Athletics recap, Nov. 4, 2026; Illinois women's basketball schedule