Rutgers University
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Illinois
12-3,3-1Big Ten
Men's Basketball Downed at Illinois Thursday Night
Jan 08 | Men's Basketball
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Rutgers men's basketball fell on the road Thursday night, dropping an 81–55 decision to Illinois at the State Farm Center.
Rutgers struck first, opening the game with a Harun Zrno three-pointer, but Illinois quickly seized control with a decisive first-half run. RU went the last eight minutes and 30 seconds of the first half without scoring. The Illini built a 43–16 advantage by halftime, shooting efficiently and forcing Rutgers into a cold stretch from the field.
Illinois extended its lead early in the second half, while Rutgers continued to battle and found more offensive rhythm after the break. The Scarlet Knights shot nearly 49 percent in the second half and scored 39 points after intermission, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Freshman guard Kaden Powers led Rutgers with 12 points, while freshman guard Harun Zrno added 11 on three made triples. Junior forward Darren Buchanan Jr. chipped in nine points off the bench, and Rutgers received 26 points from its reserves. Redshirt senior center Emmanuel Ogbole contributed on the glass and defensively, finishing with five rebounds and multiple blocks.
Illinois was paced by Keaton Wagler, who scored 17 points, while Tomislav Ivišić and Jake Davis each reached double figures. The Illini shot 44.1 percent from the floor and went 18-of-21 from the free throw line.
RU returns to action Sunday at 5 p.m. at Jersey Mike's Arena against Northwestern on the Big Ten Network.
