The Illini have been striving for progress in the early part of the schedule. The schedule, which was considered the eighth hardest in the nation, was set up to test the Illini to better prepare them for the Big Ten schedule and the postseason — and it has been tough to handle.

The Illini dropped their fourth straight game to DePaul on Thursday night in Chicago. This is the fourth straight game in reach of a victory. The Blue Demons defeated the Illini 89-81. To the team it is frustrating, with a few breaks the Illini's record would look more impressive.

Four separate players from Depaul scored in double figures Thursday night, and they seemed to hit every knock out shot. When the Illini turned the match into a one possession game the Blue Demons responded to push the lead. That trend continued until the final buzzer — another learning experience for the young and talented Illini.

The reoccurring fact in each game is that the Illini have a lot to build around. The talented team has been learning from each close loss and will take the knowledge gained into the heart of the schedule, having the edge against other teams that may have left out the powerhouses and penciled in the cupcakes.

Illinois' junior Angelina Williams led the Illini in scoring with 22 points and junior Tiffanie Guthrie added 13 points, nine boards and five assists.

Illinois' (1-4) next match will be a tussle with in-state rival Illinois State (1-2) Saturday at the United Center at 1:30 p.m. The Illini head into Saturday's contest with a four game winning streak over the Redbirds and a 16-12 series lead against illinois State. Last year the Illini handled Illinois State 71-46 in Normal, but this year's Redbird team should prove to be tougher under first year head coach Robin Pingeton.

"Illinois is a talented team that has played a very tough schedule," said Pingeton.

In last year's contest the Illini used a full-court game to force 23 turnovers and hold ISU to 28 percent shooting from the field. But, Cindy Dallas was relentless on the boards with 16 points and eight rebounds in just 25 minutes.

The Illini will try to hold down junior Katie Donovan, one of the most improved players in college basketball. Donovan poured in 31 against Ball State earlier this year. The forward has nearly tripled her career average of 7.6 points a game thus far in 2003