Illini overcome Valparaiso

By Jeff Mayfield

[November 15, 2013]  CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Fighting Illini held the Valparaiso Crusaders to 33 percent shooting, but had to overcome 32 percent shooting of their own to take down the visitors 64-52 in nonconference action Wednesday night. The Illini welcomed back one of their heroes from the 2004-05 campaign, the Rev. Roger Powell Jr., who is in his third season as an assistant coach for Valpo.

Illinois finished the game on a 15-5 run after the Crusaders had pulled within two at 49-47.

The Illini were led by Ray Rice, who tallied 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the way as Illinois held a commanding 49-36 advantage on the boards that may well have been the difference in the ballgame. The Illini also had only eight turnovers for the night and shot a healthy 74 percent from the free-throw line.

The Illini had three other players in double figures. Joseph Bertrand tallied 14, Tracy Abrams had 12, and big man Nnanna Egwu finished the night with 10.

Next up for the Illini is an in-state rivalry match with Bradley University at 5 p.m. Sunday.

HEY KIDS: Have your parents or grandparents go online at www.fightingillini.com, and have them sign you up for the FREE Illini Kids Club. I think you get a free T-shirt AND you can get a FREE ticket to Sunday night's game against Bradley (and still get home at a decent time for school the next day!). BUT, don't delay -- do it today! I think your mom or dad can also get tickets at just $10 and, trust me, that is as good a deal as they could ever get if you'd like to take a family trip to watch the Illini. See ya there!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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