Illini Cage the Golden Grizzlies, 66-54
 

By Jeff Mayfield

[November 14, 2024]  The Illinois Fighting Illini fought off a lethargic first half and 18 turnovers for the game on their way to a 66-54 win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies last night at the State Farm Center. It was a slow-paced game that was methodical and disjointed. That kept the Illinois crowd out of much of the contest, but a big second half brought the patrons to life. Illinois shot 43% on the night and their improving defense held Oakland to 38% shooting. Illinois led 36-29 at halftime.

Sometimes it’s hard to sort out what made the difference in any given game. That makes it all the more difficult in selecting my 3 stars, but here are the selections for this ball game:

Star #1
Tomislav Ivisic had a career high 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. The rumor was that his family was at the game and they really got him fired up.

Star #2
Ben Humrichous 10 points and 6 rebounds. Both he and Ivisic have scored in double figures in all 3 games so far. Ben has canned at least 2 shots from distance in every game so far.

Star #3
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and outstanding defense. His fire and feistiness coupled with his intense defense seems to be leading the Illini in several ways.

It was a sleepy night and the players appeared tired and maybe feeling overworked from mid-term exams. The entire game was a grinder. This victory takes the Illini record to 3-0 and may vault them into the Top 25 when the rankings come out on Monday. It also makes them a perfect 5-0 in their all-time record versus Oakland.

I think there will be a lot more to learn about this team next Wednesday when the Illini travel to Birmingham to take on one of last year’s Final Four teams, the Alabama Crimson Tide. That game will tip at 8pm on SECN (SEC network TV).

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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