Newly named to the Naismith Trophy watch list, Illini senior Malcolm Hill managed a single basket in the first half Friday against Southeast Missouri State. He finished strong with 21 points.
Another so-so first half Sunday found him with two fielders as Illinois trailed Northern Kentucky 33-31. Then, like Superman somehow locating an old telephone booth, he took flight.
Mixing his patented mid-range fadeaways with treys (five), putbacks, free throws (nine) and breakaways, he became just the seventh Illini player to reach the magic number of 40.
Challenged in a tight game last tied at 50, Hill took over.