Illinois overcomes slow start in season-opening win over EIU

TCR // David PollakCHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Wake up and smell the coffee, college basketball is finally here.

The Kansas exhibition was a great taste of this year’s Illini, but Monday was the true start to the grind.

In a game where Illinois was 26.5-point favorites, it took them awhile to get rolling. Once they settled in though, the foot stayed on the gas petal.

A strong second half showing — powered by 18 points from Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn — helped the Illini cruise past EIU 80-52.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The beginning of this game was not pretty at all. The orange and blue came out in slow motion, trailing 15-13 at the 10-minute mark. Missing 10 of their first 15 shots from the floor, the Illini needed a spark…