MOCS HOOPS
* UTC at Illinois
* Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, Ill.
* Tonight at 8:30
* Radio/TV: 96.1 FM/Big Ten Network
UTC (2-0)
Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Greg Pryor 6-2 12.5
G Eric Robertson 6-4 5.0
G Tre' McLean 6-5 5.0
F Casey Jones 6-5 15.5
C Justin Tuoyo 6-10 10.0
Key reserves:
G Johnathan Burroughs-Cook 6-2 15.5
F Chuck Ester 6-7 3.0
Illinois (1-2)
Starters: Ht. Pts.
G Khalid Lewis 6-3 2.3
G Alex Austin 6-4 3.0
G Malcolm Hill 6-6 16.0
F Leron Black 6-7 2.5
C Mike Thorne, Jr. 6-11 15.3
Key reserves:
G Jalen Coleman-Lands 6-3 12.3
F Michael Fink 6-10 6.0
Illinois report
The Illini lost 60-59 to Providence on Tuesday. They've been paced by Hill, who leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. Illinois head coach John Groce said recently that he's asking the 6-6 Hill to be the "butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker." Thorne averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds in the team's first two games before being slowed by Providence's zone defense.
Key matchup
The Illini are somewhat shaky at the lead guard position, which could play right into the Mocs' hands after made baskets or even after dead balls. Pryor, along with Burroughs-Cook and senior guard Dee Oldham, will have the task of harassing the Illinois guards and forcing turnovers that could make the difference in the team's pursuit of a 3-0 start.
- Gene Henley