Illinois Defeats Purdue, 66-58

Curbelo posted 8 points and 6 assists, steadying the Illini offense throughout the night and creating beautiful scoring opportunities for his team. Cockburn scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Williams made three three-point field goals and totaled 12 points while also securing 10 boards.

The game was a back and forth battle, but in the end the Illini defense and playmaking were too much to overcome. Illinois shot 48% on the night while holding Purdue to only 38%, scoring 13 points on the fastbreak compared to the Boilermaker's two.

COCKBURN WINS THE BIG MAN BATTLE

Cockburn faced a challenge in the paint in the form of Purdue's Trevion Williams and Zach Edey, but ultimately prevailed on both ends of the court. Kofi converted on 7-of-9 shots while playing great defense on the opposing big men, leading to two crucial blocks.

Thanks to Cockburn, the Illini led in points in the paint by a margin of 32-20.

FRESHMEN & SENIOR IMPACT

Curbelo took control of the Illini offense tonight, adding six assists while also posting a team-high +/- of +23.

Fellow freshmen Adam Miller converted shots of his own, adding 10 points and grabbing three rebounds.

Freshman Coleman Hawkins saw minutes early, making both of his shot attempts for five points while securing two rebounds and blocking a shot in the first half.

Seniors Trent Frazier and Williams showcased how important their veteran play is for this team, hitting crucial three-point shots down the stretch to keep pace with Purdue. Frazier also propelled Illinois to a win on the defensive end with a steal in the final seconds.

GAME OF RUNS

The game started slow, until Illinois broke out to a 10-0 scoring run midway through the first half. They ended up going on another 10-0 run to conclude the half and take a 33-23 lead into halftime.

Purdue came out hot and went on a 17-0 scoring run to begin the second period. Illinois made adjustments and brought the defensive intensity to end the game however, taking back the lead thanks to a 20-6 run midway through the final period.

HIGHLIGHT-REEL PLAYS

Illinois created great content for a future highlight reel tonight, mainly led by the nifty playmaking of Curbelo. To cap a scoring run in the first half, the freshman found Cockburn in transition for a sweet alley-oop that gave the Illini momentum.

Curbelo got his teammates involved all night, but midway through the second half decided to do it all himself, stealing a pass and charging coast-to-coast for a dunk.

The game was capped off by an electric lob pass from junior Ayo Dosunmu to Cockburn for another dunk.

UP NEXT

The Illini suit up next on Thursday, Jan 2 against Northwestern at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill. The game will start at 8 PM CT and be broadcasted by BTN.

POSTGAME NOTES

Illinois improved to 8-3 overall, 4-1 in the Big Ten. 

Illinois is 4-1 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2012. 

Illinois has won nine straight games at State Farm Center and six straight Big Ten home games.

Illinois is on a three-game winning streak against Purdue with an average margin of victory of 17 points. It is Illinois' largest margin over Purdue in a three-game stretch since 1/8/2005-1/28/2006 (+20.3).

Kofi Cockburn had 14 points and 10 rebounds, his 19th career double-double and seventh this season.  Cockburn is averaging 20.4 points and 11.2 rebounds in Big Ten play while shooting 68.3%. 

Da'Monte Williams had 12 points and 10 rebounds, his second career double-double and second this season. Williams was 3-5 shooting from three. He leads the nation in three-point percentage at 67.9% (min. 20 attempts). Williams is 9-12 from three in Big Ten play. 

Ayo Dosunmu had 12 points and five rebounds. Dosunmu is averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in Big Ten play while shooting 48.8% and 43.8% from three. 

Andre Curbelo had six assists. He leads the Big Ten in assists during league play at 6.6 apg.

Dosunmu and Cockburn are two of only four Big Ten players scoring 20 points per game in league play, along with Ron Harper Jr. of Rutgers (25.0). and Luka Garza of Iowa (24.0). 

Big Ten Leaders - Points Per Game in Big Ten Play

-- 25.0 Harper, Rutgers

-- 24.0 Garza, Iowa

-- 20.8 Dosunmu, Illinois

-- 20.4 Cockburn, Illinois

-- 19.7 Dickinson, Michigan 

Illinois is now 4-0 in the last 10 years when shooting 41% or worse from the free throw line. 

W, 66-58 vs. Purdue 1/2/2020 (9-22 FT)

W, 71-64 vs. Nebraska 2/2/2019 (9-23 FT)

W, 75-62 vs. Georgia Tech 11/28/2012 (7-18 FT)

W, 75-55 vs. Colgate 11/9/2012 (4-10 FT)