Illini Cruise in NIT Opener
By Jeff Mayfield

[March 15, 2017]  The Illinois Fighting Illini jumped on Valparaiso early, dominating at both ends of the court, cruising their way to an 82-57 victory in their NIT opener. No one knew how the Illini would respond to the fact that their coach, John Groce, had been relieved of his head coaching duties less than 72 hours before tip-off. The Illini dispelled any ideas that they were not interested in playing by displaying a flurry of good plays in the first five minutes of the contest.

In fact, the Illini overwhelmed the Crusaders in the first half by holding a 24-10 rebounding edge, a 10-2 edge in 2nd chance scoring, and a 16-6 differential in the scoring in the paint. It appeared that it wouldn’t be whether Illinois could win this game, the only thing in doubt would be the final margin. The Illini finished the night converting on 48% of their shots while limiting Valpo to only 37% shooting. They also made nine 3-pointers while holding the Crusaders to three from distance. To be fair the Crusaders were playing without their best player, Alec Peters of nearby Washington, IL, who was lost for the season with an injury. That loss was just too much to overcome.

Guess who, led the way for Illinois? If you said, Malcolm Hill, give yourself a hand. Hill finished the night with 25 points bouncing back from a tough outing versus Michigan out at the Big Ten Tourney in Washington D.C. But I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on the huge game that Leron Black turned in. All he did was contribute a double double to the night’s work. Black tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and set the tone of this contest during the first few trips down the court.

Tracy Abrams also continued his late season surge as he contributed 9 points for the cause and received a well-deserved standing ovation when he came out during mop-up time. The Illini were without Michael Finke who sustained an injury this week in practice and no news about his future availability was forthcoming.

Kudos to Interim Coach Jamall Walker and the rest of the Illini staff for getting the team ready to compete. It is very difficult to inspire a team going through a tough transition when a coaching change has been made. At least for one night, the Illini appeared to want to keep playing.

The next game has not been scheduled at press time, but the opponent has been determined and it will be Boise State. The win takes the Illini to 19-14 and Valpo closes out their season finishing with an outstanding 24-9 mark.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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