Illini Hammer the Scarlet Knights in Big Ten opener, 86-51
By Jeff Mayfield

[December 04, 2021]   The Illinois Fighting Illini opened the Big Ten season the right way Friday night in the State Farm Center with an 86-51 drubbing of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Illini came out with tons of energy, were aggressive and intense, and just pleased the 14,501 patrons the whole night through. Alphonso Plummer led the way for Illinois with 24 points and Jacob Grandison tallied 16 points while Kofi Cockburn registered the 31st double-double of his career with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

The Illini had a nice spurt in the first ten minutes, then extended the lead to 20 points at half 43-23. In fact, the Illini scored an identical 43 points in each half as they shot well from the field at 49% for the game! At the same time, Illinois’ ferocious defense held Rutgers to 31% on the night. The Illini tied their season high by making 12 3-pointers and out-rebounded the Knights 47-33.

Omar Payne had his best game in an Illini uniform by his bullish attack of the boards which resulted in 7 big rebounds and Coleman Hawkins held one of the Big Ten’s best players, Ron Harper, Jr., to a grand total of 5 points on 1-of-9 shooting for the evening! Illinois made 10-of-11 free throws. Illinois won the bench scoring battle 28-19 and also scored more in 2nd chance points, 17-12. The Illini forced 14 turnovers for the game and only made 10 of their own. Trent Frazier, Da’Monte Williams, and Luke Goode each scored 6 points a piece to help the cause.

With the opening night victory, Illinois’ record now stands at 6-2 overall, and 1-0 in league play. The Illini will travel to Iowa City for a tilt against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday night.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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