Freshman Richardson’s 15 lift Illinois
November 22, 2009
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP)—Freshman D.J. Richardson scored 15 points, hitting four3-pointers, to help No. 23 Illinois overcome a sluggish start and beatPresbyterian College 94-48 in the Las Vegas Invitational on Saturday night.
The Illini’s offense stalled early on against the Blue Hose’s zone defense.With the game tied at 21, Illinois (3-0) closed the half with a 20-7 run to takea 13-point halftime lead.
After turning the ball over eight times in the first half, the Illinisurrendered the ball only once during the second half.
The second half featured a strong start for the Illini as they picked upwhere they left off opening with a 25-2 run to put the game out of reach. AlexLegion hit a pair of 3-pointers sandwiched around a Bill Cole three on threestraight possessions which extended Illinois’ lead to 65-30.
The Blue Hose managed to shut down 7-foot-1 center Mike Tisdale for amajority of the game as he was held without a basket until 18:07 left in thesecond half. Tisdale finished with five points and four rebounds.
While rebounding had been an area of concern for Illinois coach Bruce Weberin previous games, Illinois outrebounded Presbyterian 48-19—including 20offensive boards. Mike Davis led the way with nine rebounds. He finished with 12points.
The game marked the first meeting between the two teams. All 13 Illiniscored at least two points.
Jake Troyli led Presbyterian (0-3) with 15 points as Illinois held the BlueHose to 37 percent shooting and a paltry 16.7 percent from beyond the arc.
The game marked the first meeting between the two teams. All 13 Illiniscored at least two points.
Jake Troyli led Presbyterian (0-3) with 15 points as Illinois held the BlueHose to 37 percent shooting and a paltry 16.7 percent from beyond the arc.