Dec. 9, 2006
Box Score
Chicago, Ill. - Illinois won its fourth straight game at the United Center with its 73-48 victory over Rhode Island on Saturday in the annual Lexus December to Remember Classic in Chicago. The Illini dished out a season-high 27 assists on 33 made baskets in the victory, which moves the Illini to 8-2 on the season. Sophomore point guard Lori Bjork led the way with 16 points and a career-high seven assists on the day.
The victory also improved Illinois' record at Chicago's United Center to 6-2 overall, including wins in the last four annual games by an average of 34.3 points.
The Orange and Blue shot 52 percent for the game and 56 percent in the second half to pull away from Rhode Island (1-9), who inched within four at one point in the second half, 34-30 with 18 minutes to play. However, Illinois responded with a 10-0 run to push the margin back to double figures the rest of the way.
The Fighting Illini were dominating on the glass, holding a 51-27 advantage for the game, led by Lacey Simpson's 11 boards and Jenna Smith's 10. Scoring-wise, Bjork's four three-pointers helped her lead a balanced attack that saw Danyel Crutcher and Erin Wigley chip-in 10 points apiece, Rebecca Harris nine and Smith and Chelsea Gordon each with eight.
The Illini got off to a quick 8-0 start to begin the game, but the Rams battled back to take a brief 17-16 lead at the 7:59 mark of the first half. A prompt 10-1 run gave the Illini the lead for good, however, and they took a 32-25 advantage into the break.
Illinois outscored the Rams 46-22 in the paint and had a 15-5 advantage in second chance points.
The Fighting Illini will have next week off for final exams before returning to Assembly Hall on Sunday, Dec. 17 to face IPFW at Noon. The game will be the front end of a split double-header, which the Illinois men hosting Belmont at 4 p.m.
