As Division I matchups go, it would be hard to find many more extreme than Illinois vs. Chicago State.
The Illini played for the national title four years ago while the Cougars have just tried to survive in Division I. So the Illini’s 89-50 victory at Assembly Hall on Wednesday night came as no surprise.
Still, the Cougars (3-5) whittled a 15-point halftime deficit to nine before Illinois (9-1) pulled away, ending doubt with a 19-0 run that made it 59-40.
“I think it’s good for the team, a good confidence thing,” Illinois center Mike Tisdale said.
“I’d like to apologize for my team’s performance,” Chicago State coach Benjy Taylor said. “We weren’t very good. We have to figure out some things. We were outplayed in a lot of different areas.
“The guys in the other locker room believe they’re good and can win. I’m just trying to get my guys to believe the same thing. You can’t be defeated before you’re off the bus.”
With no starter taller than 6 feet 7 inches, the Cougars couldn’t stop Tisdale, a 7-1 sophomore who had career highs in points (25) and rebounds (10). Trent Meacham had 14 points and Mike Davis had his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
With Chester Frazier leading the way on defense, Illinois contained 5-8 Chicago State guard David Holston, who came in averaging 28.3 points per game. Holston scored 17 on 6 of 19 shooting.
“Key was our defense, led by Chester,” Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. “That little guy (Holston) is good. He’s so quick and has such great balance.”
“We turned on the pressure on defense [in the second half], especially on the little guy — he can play,” Meacham said.
In the first half, referee Ed Hightower brought Holston and Frazier together at the beginning of a timeout to prevent a shoving match from escalating.
“Two competitive kids, David’s a fighter, and Chester did a great job against him,” Taylor said.
Said Holston: “It was two players going hard at each other.”
The Illini are off for final exams until Dec. 20, when they host Detroit in what is expected to be the first game for Kentucky transfer Alex Legion. The Cougars visit Hawaii on Monday night.
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tabannon@tribune.com
