Purdue upset number-11 Illinois Wednesday night in the Big Ten basketball opener for both teams. The final, 68-61 in favor of the Boilermakers. Purdue improved to 7-and-6 with the win while the Fighting Illini dropped to 13-and-2 with the loss. Purdue got a career-high 25 points from Terone Johnson. Illinois had three players in double figures: Brandon Paul (15), Joseph Bertrand (14), and Tracy Abrams (12).
Illinois shot just 36% from the field in the game. Purdue outrebounded the Illini, 38-31 on the night.
Illinois head basketball coach John Groce:
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** The Fighting Illini return home Saturday afternoon to face #8 Ohio State. Tip off time Saturday at Assembly Hall -- 1:15 pm (here on Z-1570).
