Bertrand makes debut

Created: Friday, November 6, 2009 6:25 p.m. CDT

Updated: Friday, November 6, 2009 6:25 p.m. CDT

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Illinois guard Joseph Bertrand (2) pulls down a rebound while Missouri Southern's forward Rich Borries (50) and Illinois center Mike Tisdale (54) watch during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, in Champaign. (AP Photo/The News-Gazette, Darrell Hoemann)

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BY SVN SPORTS STAFF

Sterling’s Joseph Bertrand made his Illinois basketball debut Friday night, scoring six points in the Fighting Illini’s 95-67 win against Missouri Southern in an exhibition game at Assembly Hall in Champaign.

Bertrand made two of the three shots he took in 19 minutes. He attempted six free throws, making two. The freshman also had two assists, one rebound, two turnovers and two fouls.

Bertrand was one of four freshmen making their college debut. D.J. Richardson scored 14 points, Brandon Paul added 13, and Tyler Griffey had six.

Some observers were surprised when Bertrand entered the game for the first time, 8 minutes, 14 seconds into the contest. Several media outlets reported Thursday that Bertrand’s slow progress coming back from a September knee injury might prompt him to redshirt this season.

Bertrand’s action in Friday’s game or Nov. 8’s exhibition against Quincy would not affect his redshirt status.

The Fighting Illini open the season Nov. 13 against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at Assembly Hall.

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