Makira Cook’s strong 2nd half leads Illinois past Villanova 71-57 for inaugural WBIT championship

Makira Cook rebounded from first-half foul trouble by scoring 22 of her 27 points in the second half and Kendall Bostic had 15 points and 15 rebounds, leading fourth-seeded Illinois past top-seeded Villanova 71-57 on Wednesday night to win the first Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament championship. Genesis Bryant added 17 points for the Fighting Illini (19-15), who won the first postseason tourney title in program history. Cook also had five assists, five 3-pointers and was selected the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.