Coach John Groce was surely pleased with three-fifths of his new lineup for the first 33 minutes against VCU on Saturday afternoon in Miami.
Sophomore Leron Black was a tower of strength as he worked his way toward 18-point, eight-rebound MVP honors. Malcolm Hill was his normal self with 16 points and five assists. And Tracy Abrams regained the take-charge skills that he misplaced in two shaky outings in Brooklyn.
But with the rallying Rams nipping at Illini heels and threatening at 44-40, the UI’s Three Amigos needed some help. And despite another off-day from the arc (0 of 5), Jalen Coleman-Lands knifed inside for a jumper and two layups to send the Illini winging to a “semi-quality” triumph, 64-46.