Jenna Smith was beaten up in the post, the Illini relinquished 19 turnovers and the Illini got off to yet another slow start against Missouri.

But the Illinois women's basketball team was able to ride strong games by Lacey Simpson and Macie Blinn to squeak out a 65-55 win.

In a match that could determine home court advantage in the NCAA Tournament, No. 16 Illinois stepped up to the challenge, defeating the Boilermakers in four sets (25-15, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22) on Wednesday night.

The Illini came out firing in the first game, out-hitting Purdue .