Illinois’ European opener featured three Illini double-doubles and a game-tying layup to force overtime, but it wasn’t quite enough in an 84-78 loss to AMW All Stars in Paris. Here’s three things to know, courtesy beat writer Scott Richey:
— Plain and simple, this Illinois team is Chatrice White’s. The Illini went to the 6-foot-3 sophomore center early Wednesday, and the FIBA U19 World Championship gold medalist scored 16 of her team-high 18 points in the first half — to ultimately go with 10 rebounds. White’s strong first half accounted for nearly half of Illinois’ total in its 34-32 halftime lead.