Illinois Women's Basketball Ranked No. 23 in AP Poll

Illini Receive Votes in Coaches Poll

Strong Start to Season

The University of Illinois women's basketball team has been ranked No. 23 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll, released on Monday evening. This is the first time the Illini have been ranked this season.

Illinois has started the season with a 7-1 record, including a win over No. 11 Iowa. The Illini's only loss came to No. 2 Maryland.

The Illini also received votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll, coming in at No. 27.

Balanced Attack

Illinois has been led by a balanced attack this season, with four players averaging in double figures.

Sophomore guard Aaliyah Boston is the team's leading scorer, averaging 17.0 points per game. Junior center Mackenzie Holmes is averaging 15.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.

Junior guard Adalia McKenzie is averaging 13.4 points per game, and sophomore guard Genesis Bryant is averaging 10.6 points per game.

Tough Road Ahead

The Illini will face a tough conference schedule this season, with games against No. 10 Michigan, No. 13 Ohio State, and No. 16 Iowa.

Illinois will also play a non-conference game against No. 1 South Carolina on January 2.

The Illini will be looking to make a run in the NCAA Tournament this season. They have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2013.