CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois keeps its non-conference momentum going and bounces back after Wednesday’s loss to Alabama, cruising past Long Island in an all-around scoring effort led by freshman guard Keaton Wagler and Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic.
After finding rhythm early behind efficient shooting across the board and domination in the paint, the Illini calmly put the Sharks away 98-58 after leading by 35 at half, thanks to a 16-0 run in the last four minutes.
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Wagler, Illinois’ offensive rebound leader, continues his strong start to the season, finishing with 19 points on 7-10 shooting. The six-foot-six, 186-pound guard also racked up four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.
Having seen plenty of minutes after showcasing his effort, physicality and composure, the freshman continues to prove why Underwood thinks so highly of him by what he referred to as “letting the game come to him.”
The Illini shot 63% from the field, partly due to Stojakovic’s 9-12, 18-point second half. Veteran guard Kylan Boswell anchored the squad as usual, marking his 13th-straight double-digit scoring game.
Illinois improved on its free-throw percentage since last week’s 59% against Alabama, shooting 73% from the line. Inconsistent long-range shooting was no big deal for the Illini today, making up for it with 68 paint points and 44 rebounds.
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The Sharks struggled to control the ball and take their chances. Illinois held them to 8 assists and 38% shooting from the field while forcing 17 turnovers.
Tomislav Ivišić and Mihailo Petrovic both saw more minutes after being limited against Alabama. Additionally, after posting 17 points in Illinois’ exhibition against Illinois State, freshman guard Brandon Lee made his debut for the Illini and scored his first regular-season points at State Farm Center after battling an ankle injury in the first few weeks of the season.
Following the loss to No. 11 Alabama last week, which drew 17,775 fans to the United Center in Chicago, the win over Long Island Saturday afternoon in Champaign marks Illinois’ seventh-straight victory at State Farm Center and provides a much-needed boost to the squad’s morale as they prepare to travel to New York to face UConn at Madison Square Garden.
Stat Stuffers
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Stojakovic: 20 points, four rebounds and two blocks on 10-15 shooting.
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Boswell: 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal on 4-5 shooting.
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David Mirkovic: 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 4-5 shooting.
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Zvonimir Ivisic: Eight points, four rebounds, four blocks, three steals and two assists on 4-5 shooting.
Moments that Mattered
Looking Ahead
Illinois hosts UT Rio Grande Valley Monday night at 7 p.m. before traveling to Madison Square Garden in New York to face No. 3 UConn on Nov. 28.
