WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Adrienne GodBold poured in a career-high 25 points, but the Illini didn't have enough firepower to match No. 15 Purdue on Sunday.
GodBold, who was 7-for-10 shooting off the bench, also grabbed eight rebounds in a 77-66 Illini loss.
The Illini trailed the Big Ten leaders by five with 10 minutes remaining before the Boilermakers pulled away.
"It was a physical game," UI coach Jolette Law said. "Every time we made a run, they were able to sustain it. We have to continue to fight. Rebounds and turnovers are the categories I see as the difference in the game. You have to win the rebound battle and limit turnovers against a team like Purdue."
Alexis Burke added 17 points and seven rebounds for Illinois. Karisma Penn was limited to six points in 14 minutes due to foul trouble.
In men's tennis:
Illini roll past Vols. The Illini lost the doubles point, then dominated doubles against Tennessee for a 4-1 victory.
No. 24 Roy Kalmanovich, Bruno Abdelnour, Tim Kopinski and Ross Guignon won in straight sets to lead the Illini.
In men's gymnastics:
Illini well-represented on national squad. Illinois' Paul Ruggeri and C.J. Maestas earned spots on the U.S. Senior National Team that will compete in international events until an Olympic team is named after the U.S. Visa Championships in June.
Ruggeri won bronze on the floor exercise and finished in the top four in three events.
Maestas, who won silver on rings, was selected to the team by committee.
UI volunteer assistant coach David Sender was second on vault and third on rings and also earned a spot on the team.