Quick start helps Illini crush Ohio State
By: Austin Kim
Updated: January 5, 2013
Four Illini reach double figures while the Illinois defense forced 16 Buckeye turnovers, as Illinois beat Ohio State 74-55 in its first game in Assembly Hall since December 16th.
The Illini defense made it uncomfortable for OSU to find a rhythm, forcing them to shoot 33 percent from the field and 21 percent from 3-point land. While OSU star Deshaun Thomas had 24 points, he needed 21 shots to get that point total. He was one of two Buckeyes to reach double figures.
Nnanna Egwu broke out with 16 points, 8 rebounds while holding his own against Ohio State's forwards. Brandon Paul (who scored 43 points against Ohio State last year) led Illinois with 19 points, while Tracy Abrams (13) and Joseph Bertrand (12) reached double-digit figures.
Egwu's jumper got things going for the Orange and Blue, as Illinois led the entire game. The Illini were on fire in the first, shooting 50 percent from the field. The team's largest lead was 25, coming at the 10:43 mark of the second half.
This latest victory gives Illinois two wins over Top 10 teams this year (the Illini beat #10 Gonzaga in early December). Illinois moves to 1-1 in conference play, and 14-2 overall.
The Illini defense made it uncomfortable for OSU to find a rhythm, forcing them to shoot 33 percent from the field and 21 percent from 3-point land. While OSU star Deshaun Thomas had 24 points, he needed 21 shots to get that point total. He was one of two Buckeyes to reach double figures.
Nnanna Egwu broke out with 16 points, 8 rebounds while holding his own against Ohio State's forwards. Brandon Paul (who scored 43 points against Ohio State last year) led Illinois with 19 points, while Tracy Abrams (13) and Joseph Bertrand (12) reached double-digit figures.
Egwu's jumper got things going for the Orange and Blue, as Illinois led the entire game. The Illini were on fire in the first, shooting 50 percent from the field. The team's largest lead was 25, coming at the 10:43 mark of the second half.
This latest victory gives Illinois two wins over Top 10 teams this year (the Illini beat #10 Gonzaga in early December). Illinois moves to 1-1 in conference play, and 14-2 overall.
