Player of the game
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill
Playing again at State Farm Center — something he said he didn’t think he’d do — Hill put up a game-high 25 points and took just 12 shots to do it. He knocked down jumpers and got to the rim, leading to plenty of free throw attempts (and makes).
Backcourt
Valparaiso: B-
Illinois: B+
Hill’s standout performance coupled with a do-everything type of game from Tracy Abrams set Illinois on a good path. Fifteen turnovers, however, is the one real knock you could put on the Illini.