Shorthanded Illini need 3-point production against OSU

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois will be without some of its key role players Thursday against Ohio State.

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk is battling a concussion and RJ Melendez was rushed into an emergency appendicitis surgery this week — both will be out.

Melendez’s absence will be especially felt, as the freshman has seen an uptick in both minutes and production as of late off the bench. Melendez has logged at least 10 minutes in six games this season, and the Illini are 4-2 in those contests.

As for who will be playing, the Illini can count on 21 points and 11 rebounds from Kofi Cockburn — in fact, he’s the only player in the country averaging 20 and 10, and the only player to rank in the top ten in…