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21 W hat better way to finish a year than with a program record 108 points? e University of Iowa women's basketball team did that on New Year's Eve during a win over Illinois. "When you break a school scoring record against a Big Ten opponent, that's a pretty good offensive night," Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder said. "We shot the ball well with four people in double figures, I love to see that balance. I love to see those numbers, just the distribution and working for good shots." What was more exciting was the turnaround from the Hawkeyes' first Big Ten game against Nebraska — a game where Iowa didn't see the outcome it wanted. "at (loss) stung, but we had to bounce back," senior Kathleen Doyle said of the setback at Nebraska. "e Big Ten season is long and there is a lot of time to improve, but it has to happen every day. Win or lose, all you can do is come with a good attitude, bring energy, play focused in practice, and get better." Iowa's energy improved from the Dec. 28 game at Nebraska to its next practice in Iowa City. at carried on to game day where everything clicked, and it showed against Illinois on Dec. 31. Sophomore center Monika Czinano started Iowa's scoring salvo 17 seconds into the first quarter. Junior Zion Sanders finished it with 43 seconds remaining. In between, Iowa tacked on 37 more field goals and 17 free throws. Leading the Hawkeyes was Doyle with a career-high 33 points, making 11 of 14 field goals and all nine free throws. Fellow senior Amanda Ollinger recorded her first career double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling in 14 rebounds. Two other Hawkeyes scored in double figures: Czinano with 16 and senior Makenzie Meyer with 15. One reason the Hawkeyes shot 65 percent from the field was because of their proficient passing. Iowa entered the game leading the nation, averaging 21 assists per game. e Hawkeyes had 34 assists on 39 made field goals against Illinois. "It's a philosophy we try to bring to practice every day," Bluder said. "Celebrate the assist and understand if I can set my teammate up for a great shot, that is just as fun as me taking an average shot. If you have players buy into that philosophy, it's a fun style." It was clear to the 6,942 fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena that the Hawkeyes were thoroughly enjoying their first Big Ten win of the season. Doyle was happy to break the scoring record on the Hawkeyes' home court. "It's more fun when your teammates are celebrating with high energy," she said. "We got to do it in front of our home crowd. You play basketball for moments like that." JANUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 5 at Northwestern Jan. 9 Maryland Jan. 12 Indiana Jan. 16 at Minnesota Jan. 19 at Wisconsin Jan. 23 Ohio State Jan. 26 Michigan State Jan. 30 at Penn State