WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — A surging Illinois women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s best records, faces a road test against a Purdue squad looking to build momentum as Big Ten play intensifies Sunday at Mackey Arena. The Fighting Illini (11-1) enter on a nine-game winning streak, their lone loss a narrow five-point defeat at Oregon State in mid-November. Their offense has been dominant, averaging 78.8 points per game during the streak, capped by an 86-43 rout of Jackson State last Friday. Guard Destiny Jackson has been the engine, averaging 7.8 assists over her last six games while contributing steady scoring and rebounding. Purdue (8-4) has been inconsistent, sandwiching decisive wins over Dayton, Lipscomb and Jackson State around a 104-56 road loss to Michigan. The Boilermakers are 6-0 at home, where they average 87.3 points. Guard Kiki Smith leads that charge, scoring 20 points in the recent win over Jackson State and averaging 13.7 points per game. Illinois’s defense, allowing just 56.8 points per game, will be challenged by a balanced Purdue attack that saw Tara Daye (22 points) and Madison Layden-Zay (18 points) join Smith in double figures last Sunday. This matchup opens a critical stretch for both teams. Illinois begins a rugged January Big Ten slate after this game, while Purdue hosts Ohio State on Wednesday. Containing Jackson’s facilitation and Smith’s scoring will be pivotal in a game that features a stark contrast in Illinois’s sustained excellence against Purdue’s potent but uneven form. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Sunday. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.