Illini Cruise to Opening Day Win
By Jeff Mayfield

[November 09, 2015]  The Illinois Fighting Illini used balanced, double-figure scoring from five players en route to a 104-69 triumph over the UIS Prairie Stars Sunday afternoon in the first foray to the capital city. Many of the fans we spoke to afterwards were clamoring about Jason Coleman-Lands’ 20 point first time performance. However, Mike Thorne Jr. scored 16 points and yanked down 9 rebounds while Aaron Jordan had a solid 16 markers along with 7 caroms himself.

Khalid Lewis not to be outdone came through with 13 points and Malcolm Hill rounded out the double-figure scorers by chipping in 10 points. The Illini shot well from the field going for 44% from distance and 56% overall for the game. Illinois only committed 9 turnovers and outrebounded the Prairie Stars 45-34.

So, what is the early assessment? Way too soon to tell or to know. It’s hard to evaluate a team early in the season when they are not playing the strongest opponents. It appears the Illini have some potential, but size concerns are a consideration. Multiple injuries have also placed the team behind the 8-ball here in the early going and from my past experiences it is often a bad omen to get the season started with so many key players out and in the training room.

We will start to get the answer to that question beginning Friday night back for the first regular season “Capital Game,” versus North Florida. Some of the takeaways from Sunday’s action: One was that almost 6,000 patrons showed up for an exhibition game-that is a good sign for striving to make this as close to a home away from home as is humanly possible. Another, the Illini newbies tallied 72 points! In order for Illinois to have success this season, lots of contributions from the newcomers will be a necessity.

Friday night’s season opener will tip at 7pm.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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