Illini work their way past Coppin State      

By Greg Taylor

[DEC. 19, 2005]  CHAMPAIGN -- When Illinois absolutely destroyed No. 1 Wake Forest last season, most in the college basketball world referred to the game as a masterpiece. Just last Saturday, when Illinois went to Portland, Ore., and won by 30 points, it really looked like a work of art. However, Sunday at the Assembly Hall, against winless Coppin State, Illinois' effort was more workmanlike. Winning 61-42 in front of another sold-out, orange-infested crowd, Illinois ran its record on the year to 11-0 just three days ahead of a huge rivalry game in St. Louis.

Led by James Augustine's 15 points and nine rebounds, Illinois was never really challenged against the visitors from Baltimore, Md. Dee Brown chipped in eight points and seven assists, while freshman Jamar Smith continued to make shots, finishing the game with 10 points. Illinois was without sophomore starter Brian Randle, the victim of a nasty sprained ankle in practice on Thursday, and is still without the injured point guard, Chet Frazier.

On a day when the undefeated Indianapolis Colts lost their first game of the year to San Diego, Brown and Augustine and crew made sure Illinois would stay undefeated, with some strong play early in jumping out to a 24-9 lead. The halftime lead was 12 even though most in attendance seemed to think the Illini might still be dealing with the stress of finals week. Illinois was pretty lethargic for much of the game, which is to be expected anytime college kids are forced to spend a week getting ready for comprehensive final exams.

Illinois made a nice second-half run to extend the lead to 20-plus and cruised to victory on a night when Coppin State made just four of 13 field goals and looked discombobulated for much of the game. Warren Carter started in place of Randle and scored two early baskets, while Springfield's Rich McBride made three more long bombs and finished with nine points while playing good defense.

Wednesday renews the annual Braggin' Rights battle in St. Louis against the Missouri Tigers. Illinois has won five straight games in the series and has really dominated the Tigers for most of the series history. This year, Missouri has really struggled, losing at home to Sam Houston State (who?) and others, while Illinois is once again flying high -- getting ready to leapfrog Saturday losers Louisville and Texas and creep toward a top-five ranking. However, any time these two rivals get together, you can throw out the records and the rankings and get ready for a great game. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

Illini news and notes

• Illinois outrebounded Coppin State 32-20.
• Redshirt freshman Calvin Brock played 20 minutes and showed some flashes of his incredible athleticism on the defensive end of the court.
• Illinois has now won 27 straight at the Assembly Hall -- third-best current streak in the nation. Illinois has also won 33 of 34 games at home during the Weber era.
• The 42 points were the fewest allowed by the Illini since holding Penn State to just 37 points in January of 2004.

[Greg Taylor]

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