CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Illinois women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s best records, will look to continue its dominant start when it hosts a capable North Texas squad at State Farm Center on Sunday. The Fighting Illini (9-1) have won nine straight games since a season-opening loss at Oregon State, showcasing a potent and balanced offense that has averaged 80.1 points during the streak. Their most recent victory was a 70-62 road win at Missouri on Wednesday, led by Gretchen Dolan’s 21 points. Floor general Destiny Jackson, a player to watch for Illinois, nearly posted a double-double in that contest with 9 points and 9 assists. Jackson has been a model of consistency, averaging 8.3 points and 6.6 assists over her last seven games, expertly facilitating the Illini’s attack. They will face a North Texas Mean Green team (6-3) coming off a historic performance. In an 81-52 rout of Texas Southern on Dec. 6, Mean Green forward Megan Nestor delivered a staggering stat line: 34 points and 31 rebounds. That remarkable outing highlights the challenge she presents in the post. However, Nestor’s production has fluctuated, scoring just 6 points in a loss to Oklahoma State three days prior to her record game. North Texas has struggled against high-major competition this season, with losses to Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Abilene Christian. The matchup in the paint between Illinois’ defensive discipline and Nestor’s formidable rebounding prowess will be critical. Illinois has held opponents to 52.3 points per game during its win streak and has not allowed more than 64 points in any of its nine victories. Containing Nestor will be a primary focus. For North Texas, securing a road win against a ranked Big Ten opponent would be a program-defining victory. For Illinois, it represents a final non-conference test before a daunting Big Ten schedule resumes later this month. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon in Champaign.