Nov. 25--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois found itself in an unusual position Monday night -- the Illini were struggling to score.
After consecutive 100-point games and 52.8 percent shooting in the first three games this season, the Illini shot only 30.6 percent in the first half Monday night against Brown and trailed by four points.
The problem turned out to be temporary.
Illinois (4-0) stormed ahead in the second half en route to another blowout in an 89-68 home victory against Brown, shooting 73.1 percent in the second half.
"In the second half we turned it up," coach John Groce said. "Our focus and effort level ... we were more locked in the second half."
Guard Aaron Cosby scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half, all 13 of them coming in the first five minutes after halftime.
Rayvonte Rice added 15 points with 11 rebounds for his second career double-double. He also notched three assists, two blocks and two steals.
The Illini used their depth to again wear down an opponent. Five players scored in double figures, with Kendrick Nunn adding 12 points, Malcolm Hill 11 and Leron Black 10.
"You can't key on one guy," Cosby said.
Groce credited point guard Jaylon Tate for his defense and energy.
"Both halves he gave us huge momentum lifts, almost like an energizer," Groce said. "There were a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet that help you win."
Groce pointed to scouting miscues in the first half as a reason for trailing at the half. But he was more disturbed by Brown's 51.9 percent shooting in the first half.
The Bears were held to 32.3 percent shooting after halftime.
The game was a preliminary-round meeting in the Las Vegas Invitational, which takes the Illini on the road Thursday and Friday.
Groce embraced the challenge of rallying for a victory.
"We needed this," he said.
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