Young Illini Dazzle on Opening Night
Illini Hammer Evansville 99-60
By Jeff Mayfield

[November 09, 2018]  On opening night of any college basketball season you just want your team to come out, take care of business, sustain no injuries, and simply get ready to establish a solid non-conference season.

That’s exactly what the Fighting Illini did Thursday night at the State Farm center. The Illini used an incredible 23-2 run in the first half to put the Purple Aces away early in the evening on their way to a convincing 99-60 victory over Evansville.

The Illini put five guys in double figures and looked quick and hard to guard when employing a 3 or 4 guard offense. Aaron Jordan led the way with 19 points on 5 of 8 shooting from distance and he pulled down 7 rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu posted a nice line in his college debut: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals [I’m not a coach on this staff, but I’ll take that every night!].

Andres Feliz tossed in 16, Kipper Nichols had 13 and Trent Frazier added 10 to the Illini cause. Da’Monte Williams and Tevian Jones threw in 8 a piece. Giorgi Bezhanishvili made his presence felt in a big way contributing 7 points and 10 big rebounds.

The Illini out-rebounded the Aces 40-31 and forced Evansville into 24 turnovers. The Illini shot 56% for the game.

With the win the Illini start the season 1-0. We’ll learn a lot more about this contingent on Tuesday when they host the Georgetown Hoyas and famous coach Patrick Ewing. That game tips at 7:30pm and tickets were available as this story went to post.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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