Illini bring season to 4-0
By Jeff Mayfield

[November 19, 2016]  The Illinois Fighting Illini continued their good shooting of late and their sharing of the basketball en route to an 89-69 over the Titans of Detroit Mercy. With the win the Illini move to 4-0 and this was an opening victory for them in the NIT Tip-Off Tournament.

Malcolm Hill led four players in double figures with 25 points. Tracy Abrams and Mike Thorne, Jr. continued their solid play as well. So did Jaylon Tate, who finished with a career-high 12 points to go along with 6 assists.

Illinois shot 51 percent from the field for the game including 42 percent from 3-point range. The Illini held a commanding edge in points off turnovers, 19-10, and in bench scoring, 26-10.

The tournament resumes Monday night with the Illini hosting Winthrop at 7 p.m. From there the Illini will travel to Brooklyn, NY where they will meet West Virginia on Thursday and either Temple or Florida State on Friday.

Three Stars

Malcolm Hill - 25 points (9-11ft), 6 rebounds, and 2 steals

Tracy Abrams - 15 points (solid play and continued good shooting)

Jaylon Tate - 12 points (career high and 6 of 6, 6 assists and 2 steals)

Honorable mention
Mike Thorne, Jr. with 11 points and 7 rebounds

News of the Week

Illinois announced that Jeremiah Tilmon, the senior from East St. Louis and La Lumiere has signed his national Letter of Intent to play basketball for the U of I. There is great joy in Mudville!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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