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Illinois opens conference play with a commanding win over Rutgers

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It’s going to be hard to beat Illinois when they play like that.

After falling out of the top-25, the Illini (6-2, 1-0 BIG) have responded with their two best games of the season. The latest? An 86-51 drubbing of Rutgers (4-4, 0-1 BIG) to open up Big Ten Conference play Friday Night at State Farm Center.

It was a sloppy start for the Illini offensively, but the smooth shooting stroke of sharp-shooter Alfonso Plummer turned that around. The transfer from Utah connected on a pair of long range two-pointers, had a strong take to the rim and nailed a three in the first ten minutes of the game.