Chicago St. game a chance for Illini freshmen

Posted November 24, 2011 11:00 pm

Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coach Bruce Weber says Sunday’s game against Chicago State will be the Illini’s last chance to get young players game experience before the schedule gets much tougher.

The Illini (5-0) play at Maryland and then host No. 19 Gonzaga in the seven days after the Chicago State game.

Weber said Friday that he’d like to get freshmen, like guard Tracy Abrams and center Nnanna Egwu, some serious minutes.

Weber also said Sam Maniscalco’s ankle held up well as the point guard played serious minutes over the last week against Richmond and Illinois State. Maniscalco missed most of last season with an ankle injury that required surgery.

Chicago State (0-4) has never beaten the Illini in nine tries.

Illinois takes the Terrapins (2-2) Tuesday and Gonzaga (3-0) on Dec. 3.

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