Illinois Bounces Back Behind Coleman Hawkins' 21 Points In Win Over Michigan

The Illinois Fighting Illini had nearly four days to think about Sunday's disappointing loss to the Maryland Terrapins. 

It's safe to say that game is now a distant memory. 

The Illini got back on track with an 88-73 victory Thursday against the Michigan Wolverines Thursday in Ann Arbor. 

"Great bounce back," Illini coach Brad Underwood said. "It was obviously more energy, a little more attention to detail."

The Illini had won five of six before their loss to Maryland. It broke up their early-season momentum in the Big Ten play, so Underwood felt they needed an impressive performance. After being tied at 38 early in the second half, the Illini used a 17-2 run to take control. 

"I'm very pleased," Underwood said. "Any time you win on the road in this league, you're ecstatic. We bounced back after the Maryland game."   

 The Illini were led by senior center Coleman Hawkins. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. His scoring was double his average (10.5) on the season. 

Hawkins led four players in double-figures, followed by Quincy Guerrier (16 points and 14 rebounds), Ty Rodgers (15 points) and Marcus Domask (15 points). 

"Coleman Hawkins was absolutely as good as there was tonight in the country," Underwood said. "What he did on both sides of it, six steals, double-double, controlling really game offensively. Not forcing anything either." 

The Illini (13-4 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) return to action at home Sunday against Rutgers. 

Shandel Richardson is the Publisher of Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com