Kendrick Nunn, Illinois take down Hampton

By: Grant Labedz

After strong shooting and a solid overall effort on the floor, the Illini rolled to a 73-55 win at the State Farm Center Wednesday night against Hampton. They (8-3) recovered nicely from previous shooting woes to go 42% from the field and 43% from 3 point range. Illinois capitalized nicely on trips to the charity stripe connecting on 22 of 26 (85%). A solid defensive effort by the Illini held the Hampton Pirates to 35% from the field and a pathetic 22% from the free throw line. This was certainly a good tune-up game for the Illini heading into the famous Braggin’ Rights Game against Missouri on Saturday.

Kendrick Nunn continued to show the us why he deserves to be in the starting lineup, logging 16 points for Illiniois on 6/9 shooting from the field with 4 three pointers. Also in double figures were Rayvonte Rice (12) and Nnanna Egwu (10). Leron Black had an impressive showing with 10 rebounds, and the Illini rolled by the Hampton Pirates (4-6) who were led by Deron Powers and Dwight Meikle who each logged 12 points.

Obviously a win over Hampton doesn’t tell us much as to how Illinois will respond with bigger tests down the road, but any win is good, and the Illini will continue to improve before conference play. A season high 16 turnovers isn’t favorable, especially against an opponent like Hampton, so the Illini will certainly need to be tighter with the ball. Overall, ball movement was good, defense was good, and Kendrick Nunn was good. Look for him to do some damage against bigger and better teams as he begins logging more and more playing time.

The Illini take on a struggling Missouri team this Saturday and then finishes off the non-conference schedule at home against Kennesaw St. Until then, have faith in Groce, and keep on keeping on Illini Nation. I-L-L

TNT Player of the Game: Kendrick Nunn: 16 points, (4 of 6 from three), 4 rebounds

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