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No. 11 Illinois wrapped up exhibition play with a 94-79 victory over Indiana (Pa.) in front of a sellout crowd of 15,544 Friday night at State Farm Center.
Prior to the game, Illinois held a ring ceremony and raised a banner recognizing the 2020-21 team that won the Big Ten Tournament championship and led the league in wins during the regular season.
The Illini faced a stiff test from the Div. II Crimson Hawks, who returned much of the production from a 28-2 team in 2019-20. Indiana Pa. had its season canceled last season after only three games due to COVID-19.
Illinois was shorthanded entering the contest, with starter Da'Monte Williams (back) and key reserve Austin Hutcherson (tailbone) sidelined. Illinois was then forced to go the majority of the game without the services of starter Trent Frazier, who played less than four minutes after injuring his shoulder.
Kofi Cockburn led the Illini with 21 points on 8-of-10 from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line to go along with eight boards.
Coleman Hawkins moved into the starting lineup and had a strong performance, finishing with 16 points and game-high nine rebounds, including five offensive.
Alfonso Plummer drained three 3-pointers and went 7-of-8 at the line to register 16 points.
Andre Curbelo had a double-double with 14 points and game-high 12 assists, and Jacob Grandison added 13 points to make it five Illini scoring in double figures on the evening.
Illinois will open the regular season on Nov. 9, hosting Jackson State.