Just tracked down a few articles on it. Recall reading an illini board where they listed their injuries. Think they may pass Ohio State on that list if they stay healthy.
We only beat them by 4 and 6 points last year while Guyton made a blunder that may have cost them the game in one of them so don't count them out just yet.
Didn't list all injuries but just to give an idea that there could be another reason why.
"The Illinois women's basketball team, which has been snake-bitten by injuries for the better part of two seasons now, ..."
Dolan, who hadn't played since Feb. 1 at Washington, underwent surgery for a knee injury that had hampered her for much of the 2025-26 season
www.si.com
"Two seasons later, despite a flurry of serious injuries, the Illini still managed to earn an invite to the NCAA Tournament – and then win the program’s first tournament game in 25 years."
The Illini will welcome GiGi Battle – a 5-foot-11 guard from Florida – to Champaign in late June
www.si.com
Manuella Alves and Erica Finney , international freshmen from Brazil and Australia, are both out for the season with injuries.
Illinois will face Florida State on the road on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT on ACCNX.
fightingillini.com
"Makira Cook, Gretchen Dolan ruled out for remainder of 2024-25 season"
"The loss of Dolan and Cook brings Illinois to three season-ending injuries this season, severely impacting the team’s depth."
