By Chris Hine
CHAMPAIGN - Northern Illinois was within striking distance in the second half, but Illinois pulled away to capture an 80-61 victory at Assembly Hall.
Northern Illinois had cut the deficit cut to three early in the half, but Illinois was too much to handle.
Brandon Paul led the Illini with 20 points, all of which came in the first half.
CHAMPAIGN - Northern Illinois was within striking distance in the second half, but Illinois pulled away to capture an 80-61 victory at Assembly Hall.
Northern Illinois had cut the deficit cut to three early in the half, but Illinois was too much to handle.
Brandon Paul led the Illini with 20 points, all of which came in the first half.
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I'm sorry but I just have to say how much I hate watching Mike Tisdale play. Sean Kowal from NIU showed he has heart and determination in this game while Tisdale wimped out as usual.
Ilinois against Northern Illinois Real Score:
Sean Kowal 6 foot 11 inches - 21 rebounds
Mike Tisdale 7 foot 1 inch - 3 rebounds
Coach Weber seriously needs to sit Tisdale on the bench. Mike Davis needs help down low and Tisdale is invisible, rebounding as bad or worse than last year. Get Simpson ready to play Bruce and give Griffey and Semrau a chance to pair with Mike Davis on the front line. Tisdale is a HUGE liability as a rebounder and Mike Davis can't fight off two or three other "bigs" every game. Sit Tisdale and Illini will seriously be much BETTER!!!!! Even Bill Cole can give the Illini more offense than Tisdale and some DEFENSE.