Smith Leads Illinois Women Past Indiana

Jenna Smith had 23 points and a Big Ten tournament-record 19 rebounds to help Illinois beat Indiana 59-53 in a first-round game on Thursday.

Smith also hit two key free throws in the final minute to end Indiana's season. Illinois had lost both regular-season games against the Hoosiers.

The Fighting Illini advanced to play No. 10 Ohio State on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Lacey Simpson had 12 points, eight steals and seven assists for Illinois (16-13). Simpson's steals total was the second-most in a tournament game.

Jori Davis scored 17 of her 20 points in the second half for Indiana. Jamie Braun scored 13 points, all in the first half, for the Hoosiers (14-16).

Illinois held Indiana to 27 percent shooting. The Fighting Illini have reached the quarterfinals each year since losing in the first round in 2004.

--- Cliff Brunt