By IlliniGuys Staff

November 13, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Tomislav Ivisic scored a game-high 20 points and Illinois powered thru Oakland's grind-it-out style to come away with a 66-54 victory at State Farm Center Wednesday night.

Illinois (3-0) came into the night averaging 101 points and 15 made three-pointers per game, but settled into a defensive scrum against the Golden Grizzlies.

The Illini led the entire game, but went nearly five minutes without scoring in the second half. Fortunately, Oakland did as well as they shot just 28 percent from the field after halftime.  Both teams committed 18 turnovers.

Ben Humrichous added 10 points for Illinois, including a pair of three-pointers. The Illini connected on just 7-of-25 shots from beyond the arc while shooting 42 percent from the field overall.

Jayson Woodrich led Oakland (1-2) with 11 points.

Illinois will now have a week off before taking on 2nd ranked Alabama next Wednesday on a neutral court in Birmingham (8pm CT, BTN).

Stay with IlliniGuys.com for complete postgame coverage.