Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

The Illini have plenty to brag about after their performance Tuesday night. Bruce Weber and his boys delivered an impressive win for Illini nation, complete with plenty of passing and teamwork, lights-out shooting, solid defense and lots of 3s, just in time for Christmas.

Illinois dominated from tip-off. The Mizzou team that broke into the AP top 25 this week apparently didn't make the trip to St. Louis. For Mike Anderson and the Tigers, it was one of those cold, cold nights. They were held to 37% shooting, and made just 2 of 18 from behind the arc. At times, they couldn't buy a basket, even down low.

The Illini out-shot (57%), out-rebounded (32 to 25) and out-hustled the Tigers all night. But they really shone in the first half. At one point just before halftime, both Demetri McCamey and the entire Mizzou team each had 18 points. McCamey finished with 20, and Trent Meacham led the team with 23 points. Combined, these guards were 7 of 12 from 3. Chester Frazier added 8 of the teams 22 assists and had 3 steals. And in the front court, where Mizzou was expected to dominate, Mike Tisdale showed off his shooting touch and Mike Davis added to his season highlight reel.

One of the highlights for this Illini team is their teamwork. Their passing looked pretty good against Mizzou, and nearly 76% of their baskets came with an assist. The Illini made a strong case to make their way into the rankings before conference play starts.

But in the meantime, take advantage of those Braggin' Rights!
Merry Christmas, and Go Illini!

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# posted by Alma Mater : 2:46 PM


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