Dec. 19, 2004

Recap |  Final Stats

1. Illinois' 93-56 win over Valparaiso today extended its winning streak to 37 games over non-conference opponents at the Assembly Hall. Illinois improves to 55-2 at the Assembly Hall over the past four-plus years. The Illini also are 67-3 at home over the past five-plus seasons. The Illini have now won 12 straight at Assembly Hall dating back to Jan. 10, 2004.
2. The Illini shot 57 percent from the field in the first half against the Crusaders. Illinois has gotten off to a strong start this season, shooting 55 percent or better in the first halves of eight of their 10 contests this season. The Illini also led by 26 points at the half vs. Valpo, the eighth double-digit halftime leads in 10 games.
3. The Illini entered today's game ranked fifth in the nation in field goal percentage. Illinois then shot 58.8 percent from the field against Valpo, its second-highest performance of the season. Illinois has now shot 50 percent or better in eight of 10 games and is shooting 53.4 percent on the year.
4. Illinois is winning its games convincingly this season and today was no different as the Illini won by their largest margin of victory of the season today, 37 points. It is averaging a 22.7-point margin of victory through its first 10 games. Entering today's game the Illini ranked 14th nationally in margin of victory.
5. The Illini scored 93 points against Valparaiso, hitting the 90-point mark for the third time this season and the sixth time under head coach Bruce Weber. It was the most since Nov. 26, 2003 vs. Mercer (93). It also ties the second-most points scored by the Illini in the last two seasons.
6. Today was the third time in 10 games this season that all five of Illinois' starters have scored in double figures. Dee Brown led the Illini with 19 points, Deron Williams (15), Roger Powell (14), Luther Head (11) and James Augustine added 10. Also all 11 players recording minutes scored points.
7. The Illini posted 26 assists off 40 field goals (.650). This continues Illinois' unselfish play, which has produced 222 assists on 321 field goals (.692). The 26 assists are the second-most by the Illini this season (27 assist vs. Wake Forest). Illinois leads the nation in assists, averaging 22.2 apg.
8. Illinois' trio of guards combined for 20 assists and only two turnovers today. Illinois had a season-low five turnovers vs. Valpo, with only one turnover at the halftime break.
9. Illinois' 10-0 start ties the seventh best start in the 100-year history of Illinois basketball. This is the best start since 1989-90 when they went 11-0.
10. Once again the Illini never trailed against the Crusaders bringing the total number of minutes the team has been behind to 21:32 out of 400 played. Illinois has led 94.6 percent of the minutes played this season.
11. Illinois is averaging 84.3 points per game through 10 games. Today's 93 points improved the team average, which ranked 19th prior to today's game with 83.3, by one point.
12. The Illini are now 36-7 under head coach Bruce Weber, winning 83.7 percent of its games.
13. Luther Head recorded nine assists in today's game, which ties season and career-highs for the fourth time in his tenure.