Illini Fall to New Mexico State, Henson Honored

CHICAGO -- Leron Black scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Illinois' 74-69 loss to New Mexico State at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday night.

Black, who missed Illinois' last game due to an elbow injury, scored all of his points in the second half to help the Orange and Blue claw back from a 12-point halftime deficit.

Sophomore Te'Jon Lucas finished with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting.

The game at the United Center honored Hall of Fame coach Lou Henson, who is the all-time winningest coach for both programs.

Up next, Illinois plays Missouri on Saturday for Braggin' Rights in St. Louis.

TEAM NOTES

• Saturday's game marked the 52nd game for the Fighting Illini at the United Center. Illinois owns an all-time record of 37-15 (.712) at the UC.

• After trailing by 12 points at halftime, the Illini stormed out of the gates with a 13-1 run to start the second half and tie the game at 39. Illinois extended the run to 22-5 and took a 5 point lead, 48-43, before the Aggies fought back down the stretch.

• The Illinois bench outscored the Aggies 35-17 and has now outscored the opposition's bench in 11 of 13 games this season.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

• Sophomore Te'Jon Lucas tied his career-high with 14 points on 6-7 field goals. Twelve of his 14 points came in the second half

• Redshirt junior Leron Black scored a team-high 17 points, all in the second half, 6-11 field goals and 5-5 free throws. He also added eight rebounds in his first game back after missing the Longwood game with a injury.

• Freshman Trent Frazier continued his strong play as of late, scoring 13 points and hitting 3-7 from behind the arc. He has scored in double-figures in three straight games and four of the last five.

HENSON HONORED

Despite being unable to attend due to health issues, legendary Illinois and New Mexico State coach Lou Henson was honored at the United Center before and during Saturday's game between his two former teams.

Henson's wife, Mary, was on hand along with several former student-athletes that played for Lou at both Illinois and New Mexico State. Henson took each program to the Final Four and amassed 712 wins at the two schools – 423 at Illinois & 289 at New Mexico State.