Strong Shooting Sends The Iliini Past Rutgers 66-54

Kendrick Nunn's 21 points led a balanced scoring attack that easily dispatched Rutgers last night at the State Farm Center.

Four Illini scored double figures, including Malcolm Hill with 15, Ahmad Starks with 13, and Leron  Black with 12.

The game was notable for its late start time of 8:30 p.m. Rutgers coach Eddie Jordan predicted that he'd get home "about 3 a.m."

Starks had an 8 a.m. class this morning. He explained how the student-athlete balances late night athletic demands with early morning academic demands.

“I just go to sleep. Wake up the next morning, grab my bag and go. I’m done after that and I can do what I please afterwards,” said Starks.

Kadeem Jack led the Scarlet Knights with 17, while Myles Mack added 16 points. 

Rutgers drops to 2-9 in conference, and 10-14 overall. The Illini improved to 15-8 and reached .500 in the Big Ten, at 5-5. They next travel to Michigan State for a Saturday morning tip, 11 a.m.CST.