Illinois Dumps DePaul, 82-73
By LDN Staff

[November 18, 2017] 

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, it’s the size of the fight in the dog that matters. That Illini proved that and more Friday night when they overcame roughhouse play and raw physicality on the court to come away with a convincing 82-73 win over the DePaul Blue Demons. Tom Petty would’ve loved this. We know we did, because the Illini would just not back down.

In spite of a contest that was whistled for 59 fouls (count them 5-9…are you kidding me?), the Illini would not wilt under pressure even when DePaul made a couple of mini-runs at them and one major run.

Mark Smith led the way with 21 points including a sparkling 12-for-12 at the line and Kipper Nichols added 16 to aid the cause. However, their toughness and their physicality is what really led the way. The Illini refused to be intimidated on the Lou Henson court and it showed time and time again.

Aaron Jordan continued his early season good play by going for 7 points and 9 really big rebounds. In fact, Illinois won the rebounding battle 38-36 and those extra possessions really helped. Michael Finke was pushed around but he wouldn’t quit and he finished with 9 points and 5 rebounds. Freshman Da’Monte Williams turned in an outstanding effort with 8 points and 5 rebounds and his physical presence was a force in this victory.

Illinois only shot 42% from the field, but their tenacious defense held DePaul to a measly 37% shooting night. The Illini also made the Blue Demons pay at the line by converting 27 of 36 charity tosses good for a 75% clip.

The Illini move to 3-0 on the young campaign while DePaul drops to 1-2. This game marked the first meeting between these two teams in 60 years. We’re fine with that because it seems like every in-state team wants to play Illinois and they are really the only ones with something to gain. If Illinois wins everyone says that was expected, but if the Illini lose, said team not only has bragging rights for the night but for the next ten years. It seems like a no-win proposition. However, it’s always good to let our friends up north and throughout the state know, We Are Illinois and We Are the Fighting Illini. That was certainly the case Friday night.

The Illini host Marshall Sunday afternoon at 4pm.