Illini lose to Alabama in NIT's 1st round
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Levi Randolph had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists to help Alabama beat Illinois 79-58 on Tuesday in the first round of the NIT.
Alabama (19-14) played its first game without head coach Anthony Grant, who was fired Sunday afternoon and replaced by interim coach John Brannen.
Alabama shot 59.6 percent from the field overall, including 8 of 15 from 3-point range. Rodney Cooper added 19 points.
Malcolm Hill led Illinois (19-14) with 22 points and six assists. The Fighting Illini shot 32.3 percent from the field, including just 7 of 24 from beyond the arc.
Alabama trailed for only 13 seconds in the game, falling behind 4-3 early in the first half.
The Crimson Tide will face Miami in the second round.
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.