Illini-Missouri Post Game Heat Checks
Game Summary - The Illini played from behind most of the game. The last Illini lead was at 28-27 on a Kofi Cockburn layup. Much of their first half woes were caused by a transition defense that was particularly porous along with the erratic Illini free throw shooting. It took until 3:21 left in the second half for Ayo to carry the team back to a 76-76 tie. The chance to win the game in regulation decreased exponentially when a disputed flagrant foul call (via video review) was called against Kofi Cockburn with 40 seconds left in the game. The Illini found themselves down by three points, inbounding the ball with a full court in front of them with 11 seconds left. Ayo attempted an off-balanced three point shot that missed, effectively ending the Illini’s chance to win or tie the game in regulation. The flagrant foul was clearly caused by the motion of Mitchell Smith using his arm to push Kofi’s hand upward, resulting in a “slap” to his face.