Top-10 Clash Looms as Indiana Visits Illinois CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — A high-stakes early conference showdown is set for Saturday when the Indiana Hoosiers visit the Illinois Fighting Illini in a battle of top-15 women’s basketball teams. The Big Ten matchup at State Farm Center features two of the nation’s hottest teams. Indiana (8-1) enters with its lone loss a 106-95 shootout against Iowa State. Illinois (7-1) has won seven straight since a narrow five-point road loss at Oregon State. The game will be a showcase of elite guard play. Indiana is powered by star Shay Ciezki, who is averaging 26.3 points over her last four games. She dropped 38 points in the loss to Iowa State and 26 in Wednesday’s 71-53 win over Western Michigan. Illinois counters with versatile guard Cearah Parchment, who contributes across the stat sheet. She is coming off a 16-point, 3-assist performance in just 21 minutes during a 90-41 rout of Bellarmine on Tuesday. In a November win over Murray State, she posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams have built their records with strong defense. Indiana has held five opponents under 60 points. Illinois has been even more dominant, holding its last four foes to 41, 28, 41 and 41 points, respectively. The Hoosiers’ offense, averaging 78.2 points per game, will face its toughest test in weeks against an Illini defense allowing just 54.6 points on average during its winning streak. This contest marks the conference opener for both teams and could provide crucial momentum heading into the bulk of the Big Ten schedule. Indiana’s next game is Dec. 11 against Louisiana-Monroe. Illinois travels to Missouri on Dec. 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.