How To Watch Illinois Vs Western Illinois, Lineups, Injury Report, Betting Lines
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The Illini welcome the Western Illinois Leathernecks to Champaign for some Black Friday Hoops! Here is everything you need to know before tip-off!
Game Time: Friday 8:00 PM CT
Where: State Farm Center – Champaign, IL
TV: Big Ten Network
Betting Lines: Illinois -27.5, O/U 146.5
Injury Report: F Coleman Hawkins (Questionable – Knee), PG Niccolò Moretti (OUT – Foot)
LINEUPS
Illinois
G Ty Rogers
G Terrence Shannon Jr
G Marcus Domask
F Dain Dainja
F Quincy Guerrier
Western Illinois
G Quinlan Bennett
G Ryan Myers
G James Dent Jr
F Jesiah West
C Drew Cisse
WHAT TO EXPECT
- This is the last home game the Illini will play before a gauntlet of opponents including Rutgers, FAU, and Tennessee. Since the Illini are heavily favored, Illini coach Brad Underwood will experiment with lineups and tune up the offense.
- Turnovers have hurt the Illini as of late. This matchup will prove a test to see their efficiency.
- The Leathernecks are led by transfer junior guard James Dent Jr, who leads the team in scoring (17.2) and assists (3.0). Dent Jr. played last season at the junior college level. Containing him is key for the Illini.
-Illini coach Brad Underwood used to be an assistant coach for the Western Illinois Leathernecks, so this is an emotional and full-circle moment. During his time at Western, he dreamt of potentially leading the Illini one day. He now get the chance to play his former team.
QUOTABLE: Brad Underwood on the offense: "We've been trying to add some things offensively. Trying to clean some things up. We're not very good at setting screens (due to) bad angles."
Sam King is a contributor to Illini Now. He can be reached at sjking258@gmail.com.