Illinois Takes Care Of Business Against Detroit Mercy, 89-69
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Malcolm Hill led the way for Illinois with 25 points Friday night and the Illini took care of business against Detroit Mercy in Champaign, 89-69.
Illinois (4-0) continued its strong start to the season with another complete game from different players in the opening game of the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament.
The Illini had little trouble scoring, shooting 27of 52 from the field and 8 of 19 from 3-point range. Friday marked the second straight game the Illini had difficulty shooting from the free throw line however, finishing 27of 38.
Tracy Abrams continued to have a strong return to basketball, scoring 15 points and finishing with four rebounds.
Detroit Mercy (1-2) had trouble keeping up with Illinois' fast offensive pace from the start of the game -- the Titans never held a lead in the game.
Josh McFolley and Jaleel Hogan both led the way with 16 points for a team that finished shooting 43 percent from the field and 24 percent from beyond the arc.
The Titans fell behind in most categories against the Illini, but Illinois won the rebound battle 39-29, including 33-25 defensive rebounds.
BIG PICTURE
Illinois: The Illini have played as they should against the type of opponents they've faced so far this year. The team has one game left against relatively easy competition before facing No. 19 West Virginia at the Barclays Center in New York.
Detroit Mercy: Although the game was never really close after the first few minutes, the Titans found some scoring opportunities and will need to continue to do that in the rest of the tournament.
UP NEXT
Illinois will continue play in the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament when it hosts Winthrop in Champaign on Monday.
Detroit Mercy will try to bounce back Monday when it travels to Florida State to play its second game in the NIT Season Tip-Off.
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