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University of Illinois Athletics

Michael Finke
84
Winner Winthrop WINTHROP 3-1
80
Illinois ILL 4-1
Winner
Winthrop WINTHROP
3-1
84
Final
80
Illinois ILL
4-1
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 F
Winthrop WINTHROP 34 36 14 84
Illinois ILL 38 32 10 80

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Winthrop Rallies Past Illini in OT

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Keon Johnson scored 38 points and Winthrop upset the Illinois men's basketball team 84-80 in overtime on Monday night.

Johnson, who missed Friday's game against Florida State due to a foot injury, helped Winthrop win its first-ever matchup against Illinois. The Eagles held the lead for only 29 seconds before forcing overtime.

Tevin Prescott had two dunks and Johnson made a layup during a 6-2 run to open the extra period and Winthrop (3-1) led the rest of the way.

The Illini pulled within two on three occasions in the final 1:23, but Johnson made a jumper and Bjorn Broman and Prescott each made two free throws to hold off Illinois.

The Eagles shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent (10 of 22) from 3-point range.

Michael Finke led the Illini (4-1) with 18 points, including six in overtime. It was the second most points of his career and a season high for the Champaign native.

The Winthrop bench, including Johnson, outscored the Illini reserves 54-18.

UP NEXT

Illinois travels to Brooklyn for a Thanksgiving matchup against No. 19 West Virginia in the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament.

Winthrop will have a chance to enjoy the holidays before hosting New Hampshire on Sunday.

ILLINOIS GAME NOTES

  • The loss snapped the Illini's home winning streak at State Farm Center in the month of November at 35 games. The last Illinois home loss in the month of November was on Nov. 28, 2006 against Maryland.
  • The Illini forced the Eagles into a season-high 22 turnovers. The total was also good for the most forced turnovers in a game this season for the Orange and Blue.
  • Senior Tracy Abrams had a season-high 17 points, good for his fourth game in double-digits this season and 49th of his career.  
    • Abrams had a season-high in field goals (5), assists (6) and steals (2).
  • RS forward Leron Black returned to action for the Orange and Blue on Monday night after serving a six-game suspension. Black had 10 points and four rebounds.
  • Senior Michael Finke had a season-high 18 points. Finke recorded his fourth double-digit scoring effort of the season and 14th of the season. 
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