Following a ten-day layoff by the Illinois Fighting Illini, the group returned to their home floor and upset seventh-ranked Iowa 80-75 in a huge BIG TEN match up.
The game took place on Friday, January 29, as the Fighting Illini was led by the great play of guard Ayo Dosunmu, who scored a game-high 25 points in the win.
“It was great to get this win,” said Dosunmu via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I’m really proud of the team and how we responded after 10 days off.”
Dosunmu and the Fighting Illini exchanged scoring blows with one of the best teams in the nation. The group outscored the Hawkeyes 43-41 at halftime.
The two teams locked horns again in a very competitive second half, as Iowa center Luka Garza, in spite of early foul troubles, scored a team-high 19 points in the loss.
Garza’s only challenge throughout the night was against Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn. Cockburn held Garza to limited scoring opportunities on the floor and limited minutes during key stretches of the game.
Guard Trent Frazier also was a threat on the floor, scoring 24 points in the win. Although Frazier made huge shots throughout the night, it was Cockburn’s two free throws that put the game away for good.
Final Score: Illinois 80, Iowa 75
With the victory, the Fighting Illini improved to 11-5 on the season and 7-3 in BIG TEN conference play.
Chicago Crusader Players of The Game:
Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois, 25 points.
Trent Frazier, Illinois, 24 points.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
