Thirty-four years ago today, Illinois’ men’s basketball team defeated Michigan State 69-61, as Derek Harper went 11 of 11 from the field and scored 27 points.
Harper’s backcourt teammate Bruce Douglas established a single-season record for steals, pick-pocketing the Spartans three times.
Other memorable Illini events on this date in history:
1916: Illinois’ W.B. Ames set a world indoor record in the 40-yard high hurdles, navigating the course in 5.2 seconds.
1951: In a battle of the Big Ten leaders, Illinois topped Indiana by a score of 71-65 at Huff Gym.