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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois coach Lon Kruger was typically
modest after winning his 300th game as a head coach.
"To get it just means that there have been a lot of good
players and coaches and a lot of help along the way," Kruger said
after Illinois (No. 24 ESPN/USA Today, No. 22 AP) beat Texas-Pan American 98-61 Wednesday
night.
The Illini players presented the game ball to Kruger, who is
300-225 in his 18-year career that began at Pan-American before
moving on to Kansas State, Florida and then Illinois.
"We all congratulated him. It's quite an accomplishment,"
guard Cory Bradford said.
Marcus Griffin scored 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting Wednesday
night to lead Illinois (4-2) and hand Texas-Pan American (1-4) its
62nd straight road loss.
"We just don't think about it. We just try to go out and win,"
Texas-Pan American guard Brian Merriweather said.
Merriweather led all scorers with 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting
that included six 3-point baskets. But the Broncs were outmanned
from the start and finally buried under a second-half onslaught
from the Illini.
The Illini went on a 32-9 run over the opening 10:40 of the
second half. With the score 72-39 both teams played a ragged final
nine minutes.
"Overall, it was a pretty good effort. We got off to a solid
start," Kruger said. "The defense lagged a little the last few
minutes of the first half. But we came out solid in the second
half,"
Texas-Pan American coach Bob Hoffman said it was just a matter of his team facing a superior opponent.
"They've got a great club. I know they'll continue to get
better as the young guys learn their roles," he said. "As far as
ourselves, if we can stay together and stay focused, good things
will come."
Cleotis Brown, Cory Bradford and Lucas Johnson had 13 points
each for Illinois, and Sergio McClain added 11.
"I don't just pay attention to my scoring. There's a lot I can
do," Griffin said.
Meanwhile, Kruger continues to experiment with his lineup. No
one on the team played more than 25 minutes or less than six.
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ALSO SEE
Mens College Basketball Scoreboard
Texas Pan American Clubhouse
Illinois Clubhouse
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