Illini Beat Kennesaw State, 93-45
By Jeff Mayfield

[December 29, 2014]  The Illinois Fighting Illini were firing on all cylinders Saturday night at the State Farm Center as they took care of the Owls of Kennesaw State, 93-45. Illinois started the game smoking as Rayvonte Rice took the rock to the cup and was hammered on the way up for a conventional 3-point play. Illinois never looked back as they led 54-18 at halftime and it was all but over.

The Illini shot a sizzling 55% from the field for the game and 33% from 3-point range while converting 14 of 18 free throws for 78%. Illinois out rebounded KSU 42-35 and forced them into 16 turnovers while committing only 6 themselves. The Illini also dished out 19 assists and were led by Jaylon Tate with 7.

Rayvonte Rice almost rolled a perfect 300 game as he only missed one shot all night going off for 21 points. Also joining Rice in double figures was Malcolm Hill with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Aaron Cosby tallied 13. Five other players had 7 or more. KSU was led by Yonel Brown and Damien Wilson with 10 points apiece. However, the Illini held them to a paltry 25% shooting.

So, what did we learn from this seemingly unimportant game supposedly played before a capacity crowd? Well, maybe not a lot. We do know that when Illinois shoots the ball well they appear to be a force to be reckoned with. However, there won't be any Big Ten games as easy as this ball game was. But is it a bad thing to create such confidence in the team before entering league play Tuesday afternoon at Michigan? I think not.

In fact, to beat any Big Ten team on the road the defense must get much stingier! I believe that we will have to be much more rugged on the boards and players other than Rayvonte Rice must make huge strides forward for this team to achieve a good level of success. I still think we could be in that 4 or 5 position when the season is over, but it will take a huge amount of work to get to that level. If memory serves and I don’t have a schedule handy as I pen these words…I think Illinois plays 4 of their first 6 on the road and 10 of their next 14 away from the friendly confines. That is not usually a recipe for outstanding success. I just have a good feeling about this group of players and am hoping that the good chemistry will lead to good results! Go Illini!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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