Illini get re-enforcements and beat UAB in Florida

Illinois Fighting Illini (2004 - 2013)

NICEVILLE, Fla—Injury-plagued Illinois got three players back on Friday night who played key roles in a 72-58 win over UAB in a semifinal round game at the Emerald Coast Classic.Nunn, who missed the Illini’s first five games after having thumb surgery last month to repair a ligament, was one of four Illinois players to score in double figures with a game-high 18 points.Loren Black, who had played in three of the first five games but has been dealing with knee soreness after having surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus, added 12 points.Jaylon Tate scored 3 points after missing the past four games due to an open dislocation on the pinkie finger of his shooting hand.Illinois (3-3) led 28-23 at halftime but took control with a 14-3 run to start the second half. Malcolm Hill had six of his 12 points during the run.Maverick Morgan and Malcolm Hill also scored 12 points for the Illini, who will face fourth-ranked Iowa State in Saturday’s championship game.Chris Cokley had 13 points and six rebounds, and Robert Brown added 13 points for the Blazers (3-2).The Illini’s first seven games are being played away from the State Farm Center, which is undergoing renovations. During November, Illinois has traveled 3,926 miles and spent 12 nights in hotels.