Local News

Illini Route Illinois-Springfield Sunday

The Fighting Illini eclipsed the century mark in an exhibition game Sunday afternoon, defeating sister school Illinois-Springfield by the score of 104-69 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center (PCCC).

 width=Five Illini scored in double figures, highlighted by four first-year players. Freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands scored a game-high 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-9 from 3-point land. Lands also had a game-high three steals. Fellow freshman Aaron Jordan registered 16 points on 5-of-8 from the field while grabbing seven rebounds.

Graduate transfer Mike Thorne Jr. owned the paint, racking up 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and collecting a team-high nine rebounds with a game-high four blocked shots. The UI's other graduate transfer, Khalid Lewis, also excelled with 13 points on 5-of-6 accuracy – including 3-of-3 from 3-point range ­– and four assists.

The Illini shot nearly 56 percent from the field on the afternoon (35-63) and knocked down 11 three-pointers in 25 attempts.

Illinois opens the regular season on Friday, taking on North Florida at 7 p.m. at the PCCC.

The Illini have relocated their first five home games of the season to Springfield while renovations continue in Champaign at State Farm Center. A total of 5,883 orange-clad fans were on hand today to see the UI newcomers shine in the debut game at the PCCC.

Townhall Top of the Hour News

Local Weather - Sponsored By:

CLINTON WEATHER

Local News

DeWittDN on Facebook