Nov. 3, 2013
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Junior Rayvonte Rice scored a team-high 16 points, including three second-half three-pointers, to lead the Illini past Northwood, 83-67, in their final exhibition at State Farm Center. Illinois jumped out to a 14-0 lead and overcame a second-half surge by the Timberwolves before cruising to the double-digit victory on Sunday.
Rice paced five Illini in double figures along with sophomore Mike LaTulip with 14 points, freshman Jaylon Tate with 11 points and senior Joseph Bertrand and freshman Malcolm Hill each with 10 points. All 10 Illini who entered the game registered a basket, as the Orange and Blue shot 42 percent from the field (25-of-59) and distance (10-of-24).
Northwood took its only lead of the game, 48-47, with 13:31 left in the second half but the Illini responded with a 21-7 run over the next six minutes, which included three treys by Rice. Illinois maintained the double-digit advantage down the stretch and completed its second exhibition win.
The Illini edged the Timberwolves in the rebounding battle, 42-40, led by a team-high nine boards from Jon Ekey. Both teams committed 11 turnovers, including six steals, while UI had eight blocks, with three each from Ekey and junior Nnanna Egwu.
Up Next: Illinois will open the regular season at home on Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. against Alabama State.
