Bertrand scores 11, Illini pull away

BY SHANNON RYAN

Chicago Tribune

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois’ schedule has allowed it to ease into the season, which is a beneficial move considering the team has eased into most games.

The Illini looked uncomfortable at times in the first half against Lipscomb, but unlike a host of other Big Ten teams Thursday, they didn’t allow their underwhelming opponent to come close to keeping them uncomfortable until the end.

The Illini pulled away from Lipscomb in the second half at Assembly Hall for a 79-64 victory behind 17 points from D.J. Richardson.

“It was pretty obvious we struggled with their quickness,” coach Bruce Weber said. “All these games are good for us. I’ve said since the beginning we need experience and maturity. The only way to get that is to go through these.”

Sam Maniscalco, coming off an ankle injury, scored 15 points with three assists.

“I’m getting better daily,” said Maniscalco, a senior transfer from Bradley.

The Illini used a 14-0 run shortly after halftime to break out of a tight game, taking a 50-33 lead as Lipscomb suffered through a scoring drought of more than seven minutes.

Lipscomb, which lost its previous game 74-71 to Gardner-Webb, tied Illinois 19-19 with a 7-0 run in the first half. The Illini used a 6-1 run at the end of the half to take a 33-26 lead, despite turning the ball over eight times.

Center Meyers Leonard played only two minutes in the first half after picking up two quick fouls, he finished with eight points with more playing time after the half.

Guard Crandall Head ended his four-game suspension, making his season debut in the first half. He played 11 minutes, scoring three points on 1 of 3 shooting with four of the Illini’s 20 turnovers.

Freshman point guard Tracy Abrams played only three minutes before halftime because of his turf toe injury.