CHAMPAIGN, Ill. It certainly wasnt the prettiest showing from Illinois tonight, but they still managed to add another tally to the win column, thanks mostly to David Mirkovics absurd stat line.
Mirkovic continued his impressive freshman campaign by recording 27 points and 20 rebounds, marking his third double-double in four career games. His 27 points and 20 rebounds marked the first 20-20 game for an Illini player in 53 years. He also broke the Illini program record for single-game rebounds by an Illini freshman.
After an inspiring 81-77 win over No. 11 Texas Tech on Tuesday, No. 14 Illinois (4-0) didnt look as polished in their 84-65 win over Colgate (1-3) at the State Farm Center on Friday night. Illinois had control for most of the game, but Colgate refused to go away fully.
A poor shooting night from the Illini was partially erased by their dominance on the glass. The Illini imposed their will on the boards, both offensively and defensively, out-rebounding Colgate by 20 on the night. Mirkovic himself grabbed 8 offensive rebounds.
Colgates zone defense gave Illinois some fits early on. Illinois began the game just 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. A late 11-2 Illini run, consisting of eight made free throws, gave the State Farm Center crowd some breathing room heading into halftime.
Illinois continued to struggle shooting-wise in the second half, but a phenomenal all-around half from Mirkovic helped the Illini put Colgate away. The freshman from Montenegro gave the Illini 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists in the second half alone.
Brad Underwoods team is still dealing with the injury bug, as Tomislav Ivisic, Mihailo Petrovic, and Brandon Lee all missed tonights game.
David Mirkovic (ILL) 27 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists
Keaton Wagler (ILL) 19 points, 6 rebounds
Andrew Alekseyenko (COL) 21 points, 6 rebounds
Jalen Cox (COL) 12 points, 5 rebounds
Smooth moves from Mirk.
The Illini take a trip to the Windy City. Illinois will face Alabama at the United Center on Wednesday, November 19th at 8:00 p.m.