DECATUR — The visiting Illineks turned a close game into a rout after halftime and went home tonight with a 51-35 victory over conference opponent Decatur Christian.

Freshman sensation Jamie Blue scored a career-high 24 points, while senior post player Rachel Skoza recorded a double-double, netting 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Blue's previous high was 22 points.

The win raises Uni's record to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in the East Central Illinois Conference. The host Warriors fall to 3-11 overall and 0-5 in ECIC play. The Illineks are second in the conference, one game behind defending champion Decatur Lutheran (11-5, 4-0).

Despite the final outcome, the first half was anything but a runaway for the Illineks. In fact, Decatur Christian battled the visitors to an 8-8 draw in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Uni pull ahead slightly, outscoring the Warriors 14-11 and going into halftime with a modest 22-19 lead.

Any hope Decatur Christian had of gaining its first ECIC win of the year ended soon after the third quarter began. The Illineks dominated play 17-5 and headed into the final stanza with a comfortable 39-24 lead.

With a 12-11 fourth-quarter advantage, Uni secured its fourth straight double-digit victory. In the week before winter break, the Illineks dispatched Judah Christian by 19 (68-49 on Dec. 15) and LeRoy by 14 (59-45 on Dec. 20). This week they beat Buckley Christ Lutheran by 25 (60-35 on Tuesday).

Besides her scoring output, Blue contributed eight rebounds and six assists.

For Decatur Christian, Kaytlynd Spangler led the way with 16 points. No other Warrior reached double figures.

Uni will return to action Saturday morning at Kenney Gym with a nonconference home game against Fisher.

Looking ahead to the postseason, Uni has been assigned to the St. Joseph-Ogden regional in the Class 2A playoffs. Besides host SJO, the other teams in the bracket are St. Thomas More, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, and Westville.

Regionals are scheduled to begin Feb. 9. The IHSA will announce playoff seedings on Jan. 22.

Uni vs. Decatur Christian at a glance

Game Summary

• Uni: 08 14 17 12 — 51
• DC: 08 11 05 11 — 35

Uni Individual Statistics
Player: Total Points (2-pointers made - 3-pointers made - free throws made)

• Jamie Blue: 24 pts (6-2-6)
• Rachel Skoza: 10 pts (5-0-0)
• Sheri Grill: 6 pts (3-0-0)
• Joy Shapley: 4 pts (1-0-2)
• Rachel Harmon: 3 pts (1-0-1)
• Erika Belmont: 2 pts (1-0-0)
• Michelle Wong: 2 pts (1-0-0)
• Maritza Mestre: 0 pts (0-0-0)
• Lizzy Warner: 0 pts (0-0-0)

Uni Team Statistics (opponent totals in parentheses)

• Total Points: 51 (35)
• 2-ptrs made: 18 (11)
• 3-ptrs made: 2 (4)
• Free throws made: 9 (1)