Illini have a lot to clean up after exhibition opener

Well, all those expecting to see 13th-ranked Illinois punch Lewis University in the throat and win the exhibition basketball opener by 40 points were pretty disappointed Friday night at the Assembly Hall.

Illinois trailed 29-20 early, trailed 37-35 at the half and had to scratch and claw to pull away in the final couple of minutes, winning 75-65.

Tupper