CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the first time this season, Illinois put together back-to-back halves of basketball and mopped the floor with its opponent in the process.
The Illini made quick work of the Hampton Pirates on Saturday night at State Farm Center in Champaign after mounting a 31-point first-half lead. Illinois would go on to win, 120-71.
For Illinois, these contests serve as confidence boosters and a chance for the coaching staff to tie up any loose ends before the start of conference season. And that’s exactly how Brad Underwood’s squad responded against Hampton.
With the win Saturday, the Illini have extended their winning streak to three games with two more home matchups looming before the conference opener on Dec.