Nov. 08--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois will ease into the regular season after its 91-62 exhibition victory Friday night against Quincy.
Of course, just a week until the season opener, coach John Groce was far from satisfied after the Illini gave up 42 second-half points.
"Obviously we're not close," he said. "Our mindset has to change. We've got to guard a lot better."
Sophomore Malcolm Hill led the way with 20 points, while freshman Leron Black became an instant crowd favorite with 15 points on 7 of 9 shooting. He also added eight rebounds and received a standing ovation when he went to the bench.
"I feel good that the fans already love me," he said. "I just play hard. I take opportunities given."
After missing its first five shots, Illinois used a 17-0 run to build an insurmountable lead.
Center Nnanna Egwu, a senior, supplied 13 rebounds and five blocked shots to go with seen points.
The Illini start the regular season on Nov. 14 against Georgia Southern.
