Illini Epitome Team Romps McKendree, 112-65
By Jeff Mayfield

[November 16, 2016]  The Illinois Fighting Illini used the “Greg Taylor Plan” in dismantling McKendree 112-65 last night at the State Farm Center. If you are unfamiliar with the Taylor Plan it is simply coming out and pouncing on a lesser opponent in the first five minutes and making sure that said team has no illusions of ever winning the game much less even being a threat. Illinois employed that plan Tuesday night and it led to favorable results.

And yes these are not games fans flock to see, but in the course of the early season they are somewhat necessary to stretch athletes out and get them into game conditioning. It also allows the coaches to play a variety of rotations to see how different quintets will look and operate. And in this year’s case it allows Illinois hopefully to navigate through four games waiting for the return of Leron Black.

Illinois started the game on a 7-0 run and when Jalen Coleman-Lands hit three 3-pointers in a row, the rout was on! Six Illini players finished in double figures and Illinois converted a record-tying 16 3-pointers (the previous record was made against Arizona in that historic game that sent the Illini to the 2005 Final Four). While this game should have no attachment to that one in any way, it’s still always fun to see the rock go through the basket! My only hope is that we can hit ‘em when we need to during brutal league action.

Lands finished the night with 18 points as did Maverick Morgan. Michael Finke had 17 points & 8 rebounds and Tracy Abrams tallied 15 on four 3-pointers. Illinois blistered the nets shooting 56% from the field and 57% from distance.

Three Stars

Jalen Coleman-Lands - 18 points
Maverick Morgan - 18 points
Michael Finke/Tracy Abrams - 17 points, 8 rebounds/15 points, 6 assists

Shout out to Jaylon Tate and Te’Jon Lucas with 8 & 6 assists respectfully and to Mike Thorn, Jr. who recorded a double double…also a shout out to Nathan Michael who led the Bearcats with 25 points-Nathan is the son of former Illini Tom Michael.

Next Up:
Illinois entertains Detroit this Friday night at 7pm.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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