With Wisconsin dropping a game at home against Rutgers and Purdue falling to Michigan on the road Saturday, Illinois’ Sunday matinee against Northwestern left the Illini in the driver’s seat for the Big Ten title race and a chance to build on that lead — easier said than done.
The Illini raced out to a quick 12-4 lead thanks in large part to Alfonso Plummer. Illinois’ sharpshooter started with eight points in the first four minutes and closed the first half with a game-high 16 on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including four treys. Illinois also got a productive spark from RJ Melendez who poured in a couple threes and a steal off the bench.