Phoenix, Ariz. — Road trip is off to a good start.
Illinois survived another second half run to pull away in Phoenix in a 83-71 win over Grand Canyon on Friday night. Now the Illini have to finish off their west coast swing Sunday night against a ranked Arizona team.
But first the Illini had to go to business with the Antelopes, where the teams were toe-to-toe early on. It was clear that head coach Brad Underwood had made adjustments after the near-loss to Nicholls State. Illinois (2-0) had struggled to drive to the net against the Colonels, but found early success cutting inside against GCU.