Just like the Wisconsin game, Michigan women's basketball jumped to an early lead and kept it in double digits most of the game. In the third period, Illinois whittled it down to five, but coach Kim Barnes Arico returned sophomore Olivia Olson to the floor and the threat was ameliorated.
The Fighting Illini never recovered from an early run by Michigan women's basketball, and although the Wolverines full-court pressure slowed them down, they were well prepared for it and managed to safely get the ball across the half-court line.