Tracy Abrams proved that he was back in top shape — or even better — when he scored a career-high 31 points and led Illinois in a 92-73 drubbing of Central Michigan on Saturday afternoon.
Abrams scored 23 points in the first half and finished 7-for-8 from 3-point range on a day when he scored his 1,000th career point with Illinois (8-3).
It’s been a long road for the guard from Mount Carmel who missed the last two seasons with knee injuries. After the difficult journey, Abrams knew whom to credit for his on-court success.
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“My teammates for giving me the ball and just the hard work, being in the gym a lot.” Abrams said. “It just shows that hard work pays off.”
Illinois shot at or above 50 percent from the field in the first 10 minutes, but a six-minute Central Michigan scoring drought allowed Illinois to go on a 23-3 run and lead by as many as 19 points in the first half.
Leron Black played another compete game from the bench, scoring a career-high 21 points.
Illinois played its last nonconference home game of the season, a game in which coach John Groce thought his team continued to grow and find its identity.
“It was our most complete performance of the season,” Groce said. “I think it’s something that we can build upon.”
Marcus Keene led Central Michigan (8-3) with 25 points, and Braylon Rayson added 18.
Illinois won the rebound battle 49-25 and outscored the Chippewas in the paint 34-14.
“We had great attitude, great effort and just got beat by an ever-improving Illinois team,” Central Michigan coach Keno Davis said. “They were able to expose the weakness of being not as physical, big and strong as they are.”
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill was held scoreless in the first half but finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
D.J. Williams continued to gain more playing time after sitting out two of the Illini’s previous four games. The sophomore finished with two points and five rebounds in 18 minutes.
Illinois will have the week off before traveling to Chicago to play BYU in the State Farm Chicago Legends game.