Sharp-shooting Illini Take Down Michigan
By Jeff Mayfield

[January 12, 2017]  The Illini Fighting Illini shot a whooping 64% from both the field and from distance last night on their way to a 85-69 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. With the win the Illini improved to 2-2 in the league and to 12-5 overall. The 64% shooting was Illinois’ best in 6 years and their 3-point percentage was the best in 20 years. Would I be asking too much if I said I’d like to see the hot-shooting continue?

Line-up changes, different rotations, and a continuation of mixing up the defenses all seemed to inspire the Illini to quite possibly their best 40-minute performance of the season. And how ‘bout the continued maturation of Maverick Morgan? All he did was go 8 of 9 from the field for 16 points and 4 assists (and I think I saw him dusting the trophies in the Hall of Fame room) to lead a contingent of six Illini players in double figures.

IF you are a fan that likes to witness the development of a player, Morgan would be a great test case for you. For a couple of years I didn’t think there was going to be a spot for Morgan and really kind of wondered why we spent a scholarship on him. Wow, was I wrong! Not the first time and not the last and one of the many reasons I’m not making any recruiting or coaching decisions for the Illini. His post moves have improved dramatically! His shooting touch on the baseline and in that 12-15 foot range is just money. In summation, his hard work has really paid rich dividends for this Illini squad.

As for the line-up changes we saw our first big dose of play (though they both turned in solid performances off the bench at Indiana) from Kipper Nichols and Te’Jon Lucas. Based on what we saw last night-“Thank you, Sir…may I have another!” Kipper attacked on both ends of the court and finished the night by leading the team in rebounds with 8 and by scoring 13 points.

Lucas on the other hand came in and just took over the Illini offense. He completed the contest with 8 assists, 5 points and only 1 turnover. They weren’t the only ones to deliver on the night either. Illinois outscored Michigan off the bench 28-9 and out-rebounded the Wolverines 30-17!

Malcolm Hill was his usual steady self, going for 15 points including a 6 for 7 night from the line. And Michael Finke came on and hit 4 for 4 from the field for 10 points and matched Leron Black’s 10 points as well.

Going into this contest I was wondering if we would ever beat Michigan again. They had beaten the Illini 10 of the last 11 times out. However, it seemed to me like they had won the last 100! That one at the Big Ten tourney a couple of years ago still gives me nightmares. Illinois does still lead the all-time series at 87-81 and no matter what sport you’re playing it’s always a great day to beat Michigan!

Illinois’ reward for beating Michigan? A 5pm Saturday date w/a red-hot Maryland quintet that destroyed Illinois just 17 days ago. I hope Illinois plays with a chip on it’s shoulder and continues their fine play of late winning 8 of their last 10 ball games. The Illini are 9-1 at home so far this season…let’s keep it going!

Our 3 Stars:

1-Maverick Morgan 16 points 4 assists (a career high)

2-Kipper Nichols/Te’Jon Lucas 13 points 8 rebounds/8 assists-1 turnover

3-The rest of the team!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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