Illini Throttle Arkansas State 92-53
By Jeff Mayfield

[November 13, 2021]   Champaign-Urbana-The Illinois Fighting Illini improved their record on the young season to 2-0 by throttling the Red Wolves of Arkansas State 92-53 last night at the State Farm Center. The Illini once again followed the beginning non-conference script almost to perfection going on an early 18-2 run and another one just before half to ensure a 20-point+ lead, 48-26.

Our 3 Stars

Coleman Hawkins was doing everything going for his first ever career double double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocked shots. His high motor and the energy he is bringing is surging throughout this team and will continue to be needed IF the Illini are to reach their potential this season.

Jacob Grandison also had 15 points and 6 rebounds and is becoming a reliable scorer.

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk only played 12 minutes but he tallied 8 points and 10 rebounds for what might have been the most efficient Illini performance in years!

Honorable Mention=Andre Curbelo had 8 points, 7 assists, and only 2 turnovers!

Illinois’ defense was smothering as they held two of ASU players under double figures and generally frustrated the Wolves all night long.

Illinois clobbered the Red Wolves on the boards 56-32 which led to solid shooting from the field at 46% and that was with some uncharacteristic misses. The Illini only committed 13 turnovers while harassing Arkansas State into 19 miscues!

The Illini will really ratchet up in competition as they travel to meet Marquette and new coach Shaka Smart, Monday in Milwaukee.

The LDN was also able to do the rare double and took in the Illini’s volleyball match as they hosted the Indiana Hoosiers. The No. 25 Illini started the theme of the night=domination. Illinois smoked the Hoosiers in straight sets with a 3-0 match victory. With the sweep for the win it takes Illinois’ record to 17-9, 9-6.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

Respond to the writer at [e-mail].