Still deprived of its best player, Kofi Cockburn, suspended 3 games for selling certain objects and souvenirs before the famous “NIL rule” was set up, Illinois had started its season with two easy wins against Jackson State and Arkansas State. . But Monday night, against Marquette, on the floor of the Bucks in Milwaukee, the Fighting Illini fell on a bone called Marquette (67-66).
It all came down to the last action, when Tyler Kolek stole the ball into the hands of Illinois point guard Trent Frazier before going to the basket for a layup plus foul. Congratulated by Pat Connaughton after his layup, Kolek missed his bonus shot but a new interception in the hands of Andre Curbelo sealed the surprise victory for Marquette, the first “shot” of his new coach (former Texas), Shaka Smart .
It is all the more improbable that this same Kolek did not know if he was going to play before the match, after a huge shock to the knee in the previous match which practically prevented him from walking …
Gonzaga serein
After his big victory against Texas, and the 37 points of Drew Timme, Gonzaga easily disposed of the small college of Alcorn State (84-57) to start his season with three consecutive victories. The Zags took control straight away, with an initial 27-8 after hitting 10 of their first 13 shots, never to let go.
More than Drew Timme (10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Chet Holmgren (11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks), it was Julian Strawther (18 points 7/9 shooting who was the player At his side, we cannot fail to underline the fine performance of the eagerly awaited freshman Hunter Sallis, who finished 16 points in 25 minutes off the bench.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bRuqurM8vQ
Juzang and Bernard make the difference for UCLA
With three small points at halftime, Long Beach State held out against UCLA. But Johnny Juzang (25 points) and Jules Bernard (22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds) placed the necessary acceleration to drop their opponent in the second half (52-34). But the final victory (100-79) satisfied neither Mike Cronin, nor his players. Because of still significant defensive problems.
Because, opposite, Joel Murray (30 points) and Colin Slater (27 points) both set career records in point, igniting the fuse on all sides in the first half.
“Defensively, I haven’t seen a single thing we’re good at. I’m still trying to find someone who is able to defend on the ball carrier ”, railed Coach Cronin, who built his reputation on that side of the pitch. “I know everyone is happy that we beat Villanova, but it was a home game. We still have a lot of room for improvement. I need leadership and guys who take responsibility. “
The major results of the evening
Gonzaga – Alcorn State (84-57)
UCLA – Long Beach State (100-79)
Marquette – Illinois (67-66)
Ohio State – Bowling Green (89-58)
Baylor – Nicholls (89-60)
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