CHAMPAIGN, Illinois (Ticker) -- Tauja Catchings scored 28 points and Allison Curtin added 24 as No. 20 Illinois took control in the first half and won its season-high fourth-straight game, 88-69 over Cal State Northridge.

Catchings shot 9-of-12 from the floor and Curtin 10-of-13 as the Fighting Illini (9-3) made 52 percent (29-of-56) of their attempts. Susan Blauser had 13 points and 14 rebounds and Shavonna Hunter added 13 points.

Illinois shot 60 percent (18-of-30) and 11-of-14 from the foul line in the opening 20 minutes to gain a 49-29 cushion. The Gauchos converted just 39 percent (13-of-33) of their attempts and shot just two free throws.

Neda Milic scored 16 points, Jamilah Jones netted 13 and Edniesha Curry added 12 for the Matadors, who shot just 34 percent (24-of-70) overall and 29 percent (7-of-24) from 3-point range.