By IlliniGuys Staff

November 23, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Will Riley scored a game-high 19 points as #25 Illinois returned home and worked out some frustration in an 87-40 rout of Maryland-Eastern Shore Saturday afternoon.

The score was never in doubt as the Illini looked to shake off a 100-87 loss to 8th ranked Alabama Wednesday night and as they prepare for a Thanksgiving Day showdown with #20 Arkansas.

Riley got all of his points after Illinois (4-1) took a 35-15 halftime lead to lead the Illini in scoring for the third time this season and keying an offensive onslaught that saw the Illini score 52 points in the final 20 minutes. But the effort wasn't without issue; Illinois hit just 10-of-40 three-point attempts and struggled at the free throw line (11-of-18) for the second straight game.

Kylan Boswell added 13 points and Tomislav Ivisic scored 11. Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. posted his his first career double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds in just 14 minutes. Tre White pulled down a season-high 11 boards.

Illinois held the Hawks to just 22 percent shooting and enjoyed a 59-38 rebounding advantage as they posted a third November win of at least 30 points for the second time in three years. The Illini posted four 30-plus point wins in November, 2022 as well.

Jalen Ware led Maryland-Eastern Shore (2-6) with 10 points.

Illinois returns to play Monday night when they host Little Rock (8pm CST, BTN).

Stay with IlliniGuys.com for more postgame coverage.