Nov. 22--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois center Nnanna Egwu almost doesn't mind being on the bench at times. It's where he gets the best view at what he hopes could be becoming one of the most entertaining shows in the Big Ten.
"This is a fun team, to be honest, to play with," Egwu said. "Sometimes I wish I could just sit back and watch, which I do on the bench. Just to see them make the extra pass and play so unselfishly, it's really fun to watch offensively."
A crowd of 16,337 at State Farm Center on Friday night concurred.
The Illini beat Austin Peay 107-66 in a display of offensive highlights and fundamental ball sharing. The victory marked the first time since 1993 that the team has recorded consecutive 100-point games.
There was little to pick apart offensively after the game. Even Illinois coach John Groce was hard-pressed to name any one of the 14 3-point shots displeasing to him.
The Illini (3-0) shot 59.7 percent from the floor, including 56 percent on 3-point shots. They posted 20 assists on 40 shots with only 10 turnovers.
Eleven Illini players scored, including five in double digits led by 16 apiece from Malcolm Hill and Rayvonte Rice.
"Guys were in tune to the offensive game plan," Groce said. "We rally sprayed the ball and shared the ball."
Dave Loos has coached at Austin Peay for 25 years. He had a tough time recollecting a more gifted offensive opponent.
"It's hard for me to remember somebody shooting the ball this well as a team," he said.
Groce called a timeout just a few minutes into the game, frustrated at the team's execution and defense. Players responded quickly to build a 46-25 halftime lead.
"I thought we did a lot of good things, especially the last 36 minutes," he said.
After struggling to score last season, averaging 64.2 points per game and shooting just 41.1 percent on the season, this scoring wave with more depth and better execution is refreshing -- and a bit of culture shock.
That's what Groce has been working toward since he was hired three seasons ago, he said.
"It's a culture thing," he said. "It's two-plus years in the making. Everyone is drinking that Kool-Aid a little bit. I always remind them that they have to protect it. Today we played the game the right way. That's kind of what we're going to aspire to do."
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