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 "It really puts things into perspective doesn't it?" said Bradley
coach Geno Ford.
The Peoria area, home to Bradley University, suffered extensive
damage in Sunday's storms. One fatality was reported among several
dozen injuries. More than 140,000 residents were without power
Sunday evening.
"This is a game," Ford said. "But what those folks are going
through, that's real."
The Champaign area was also hard-hit during the freak autumn
weather, although no serious damage was reported at or near the
State Farm Center, where Sunday's game was played.
"Our prayers are with those who lost their homes or were injured
today," Illinois coach John Groce said after the game.
Despite the weather, the game went on as scheduled.
Forward John Ekey scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds to
lead Illinois. The 6-foot-7-inch Ekey hit five of seven from the
three-point line. Junior guard Ravonte Rice scored 13 points, and
Tracy Abrams added 12.
"It was just one of those days," Ekey said. "I felt good, felt
comfortable out there, and they kept feeding me the ball."
Tyshon Pickett had a game-high 21 points for Bradley (4-1). Walt
Lemon Jr., the Braves' leading scorer with 18.3 points per game
coming into Sunday's contest, added 12.
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Illinois outrebounded Bradley 49-25, and had
more offensive rebounds (10) in the first half than Bradley had
defensive rebounds (9).
"That was embarrassing," Ford said. "I give Illinois a lot of
credit. They were tough and we were soft. We shot terribly, but
I can't fault our shot selection."
The Illini went on a 10-0 run early in the game and led 34-19 at
the half, and held Bradley to 28 percent field goal shooting in
the first half. Illinois ended up shooting 47.5 percent from the
field for the game, while Bradley hit 36 percent of its shots.
"I loved our effort, and our attitude was off the charts," Groce
said. "We did some good things at both ends of the floor
tonight. We were good and aggressive on the boards, and this
gives us something to build on for the future."
Illinois played its fourth game of a five-game home stand, and
opens 4-0 for the third consecutive season. Bradley had been
aiming for its first 5-0 start since 2006-07.
The two teams are separated by about 90 miles on Interstate 74.
Illinois leads series 13-3, but Bradley won the last meeting
72-68 on a neutral court in 2009. The last time Bradley won in
Champaign was Dec. 14, 1929.
Sunday's game also saw Bradley coach Geno Ford go up against his
younger brother Dustin Ford, an assistant to Illinois coach John
Groce.
Illinois squares off against Chicago State at home Friday, while
Bradley travels to Arizona State on Friday.
[Associated
Press]
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