Illinois Dominates Eastern Illinois in 112-67 Season Opener: Freshman Will Riley Shines
The Illinois Fighting Illini couldn’t have asked for a more impressive start to their 2024-25 season, cruising to a dominant 112-67 victory over Eastern Illinois at State Farm Center on Monday night. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Illini showcased their depth, shooting, and defensive prowess, with a special performance from freshman guard Will Riley stealing the show.
A Historic Debut for Will Riley
Riley’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The freshman sensation exploded for a team-high 31 points, marking the most points ever scored by an Illini freshman in their debut game. Riley was nearly unstoppable, finishing 10-for-13 from the field, including an astonishing 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. His hot shooting extended into the second half, where he hit seven consecutive shots, including a stretch of six from the floor that helped Illinois extend their lead.
As the game wore on, Riley continued to dazzle, reaching the 24-point mark with a jumper that pushed Illinois to the 100-point threshold. He eventually surpassed 30 points with just under three minutes remaining, solidifying his place in Illini lore as one of the standout performers in a season opener.
A Strong All-Around Effort
While Riley grabbed the headlines, Illinois’ victory was a true team effort, with five players finishing in double figures. Senior guard Ty Rodgers contributed 17 points, and junior guard Jaden Ivey added 15, providing a balanced offensive attack that kept the Panthers on their heels all night long.
In his collegiate debut, Tomislav Ivisic made an immediate impact with a double-double performance of 14 points and 14 rebounds, providing the Illini with a strong presence on both ends of the court. Transfer Ben Humrichous also made an impression in his first game for Illinois, scoring 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers, while contributing five rebounds and a block.
Defense and Rebounding Dominance
One of the standout aspects of the Illini’s victory was their control of the boards. Illinois dominated the glass in the first half, out-rebounding Eastern Illinois 30-12. The Illini also applied stifling defense, limiting the Panthers to just 67 points and forcing several turnovers throughout the game. Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. was a standout on the defensive end, tying the freshman record for blocks in a single game with six. Johnson Jr. also grabbed eight rebounds, helping Illinois control the paint on both ends.
A Fast Start, and a Fast FinishIllinois wasted little time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a commanding lead in the opening minutes of the game. The Illini’s aggressive defense and fast-paced offense overwhelmed Eastern Illinois, and by halftime, Illinois had a comfortable 58-34 lead.
In the second half, Illinois poured it on even more, with six different players contributing to a 16-3 run to start the period. The Illini's shooting was impeccable, with a stretch where they made seven out of eight field goals to build a 33-point lead with just under 11 minutes remaining.
Riley, who had been unstoppable all game, took over in the final minutes, scoring 12 of Illinois' next 14 points, including a string of seven consecutive field goals. His hot shooting kept the score ticking upward and helped the Illini eclipse the 100-point mark, a rare achievement for a team in the early stages of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Illini (1-0) will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, an in-state clash with SIUE on Friday at State Farm Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, with the game available for streaming on Peacock.
If this season opener is any indication, the Illinois Fighting Illini are poised for an exciting season, with an explosive offense, strong defensive play, and a collection of talented players eager to make their mark. Will Riley’s performance may be just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling year for Illini basketball fans.
Author
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
