Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights at No. -- Illinois Fighting Illini CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois women’s basketball team looks to solidify its postseason credentials Tuesday when it hosts struggling Rutgers in a Big Ten Conference matchup at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini (17-8, 7-5 Big Ten) enter on the heels of a dominant 92-60 victory over Wisconsin last Wednesday. That win snapped a two-game skid and showcased the offensive firepower of sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton, who erupted for 22 points and six assists in 29 minutes. Guyton’s performance was a return to form after a quiet stretch, highlighting her role as a dynamic scorer for an Illinois team averaging 74.2 points per game. Illinois, which sits firmly on the NCAA tournament bubble, has shown resilience at home with a 10-3 record in Champaign this season. Consistency has been an issue, however, with recent losses to Southern California and Oregon by narrow margins. Rutgers (9-15, 2-10) arrives mired in a five-game losing streak, most recently a 63-52 home loss to Minnesota on Feb. 8. The Scarlet Knights have struggled offensively during the slide, failing to reach 55 points in four of those defeats. Their season has been marked by defensive lapses, allowing an average of 76.3 points per game. The bright spot for Rutgers has been the steady play of junior guard Zachara Perkins. Despite the team’s struggles, Perkins has averaged 13.5 points over her last four games, including an 18-point, five-rebound, five-assist effort against Minnesota. She will need a standout performance to challenge an Illinois defense forcing over 16 turnovers per game. Illinois won the first meeting this season, 94-60, in Piscataway on Jan. 22. The Illini’s balance, with four players averaging double figures, contrasts sharply with a Rutgers squad that relies heavily on Perkins and forward Nene Ndiaye, who scored 26 in the loss to Minnesota. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST. Illinois will look to sweep the season series and improve its conference standing, while Rutgers seeks a desperately needed signature road win to halt its slide.