Purdue freshman scores 20 in second half in big win over Illini
Illinois failed to land E'Twaun Moore during the recruiting process, and then the Illini couldn't stop the Purdue freshman guard Saturday.
Moore, who visited the Illinois campus several times before his senior year at East Chicago (Ind.) High School, scored 16 of his career-high 24 points in a 6-minute run in the second half to lead Purdue to an 83-75 victory over Illinois in a Big Ten Conference game at Assembly Hall.
Moore had 20 points in the second half, dominating the game like Michael Jordan, the former NBA superstar who attended an Illini. . home game for the first time.
When Illinois already had a commitment at the time from Indiana prep superstar Eric Gordon in the summer of 2006, Moore turned down a scholarship offer from Illinois, he said, and committed to the Boilers in a strong four-man freshman class that's helped Purdue to a seven-game winning streak and a tie for first place in the Big Ten.
"I liked Illinois a lot,'' Moore said. "I came on a few unofficial visits over here. (Gordon's commitment) didn't really bother me that much. Purdue was always my favorite school.
"I loved playing with those (other Purdue freshmen). We played together in AAU. We thought why wouldn't it be fun to go to college and play together.''
Illinois (10-13 overall, 2-8 in the Big Ten) set a season high with 30 free throws made, but the Illini also allowed a season-high 83 points, in part because Moore -- rated the No. 23 player nationally last season by the recruiting services consensus index -- was unstoppable in the second half.
The Illini host No. 11 Indiana and Gordon Thursday (8 p.m., ESPN). But Gordon has a tough act to follow after Moore was 10-for-12 from the field.
"He was touted as one of the best recruits in a while,'' said Illini forward Brian Randle. "He got hot today. He's hitting shots from steps beyond the NBA line. Pullups in the lane. I tip my hat. He played a great game.''
Illinois trimmed a 12-point deficit to 49-46 with 12 minutes 35 seconds left and trailed 51-46 when Moore took over the game. He hit seven straight field goals for Purdue. Moore drilled two 3-pointers, a floater, a bank shot and finished on drives in a remarkably complete display of offense.
"I've known the kid for a long time,'' Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "He's been over here many times. I've seen him play, but not like that. That was special. For a freshman to come in here in the gut-check part of the game, to make shots like that was impressive. We could never stop Moore to have a chance.''
By the time Moore's flurry ended with a 22-footer, the Illini trailed 69-59 with 5:36 left. Purdue eventually led by 12, and the Illini could never get any closer than seven points.
Marcus Green scored 25 points and Tarrance Crump had 11 for Purdue (17-5, 8-1).
"I really came into it thinking we'd win,'' Weber said. "I thought we'd come together and find a way to win. Purdue played very well. I think that performance was as good as any team we've played this year other than Duke. I think they have a chance to make a run at the title.''
Randle scored a career-high 21 points while center Shaun Pruitt had 18 points and nine rebounds. Reserve guard Demetri McCamey added 15 points. Guard Trent Meacham had 14 points. Three days after finishing with 41 points in a loss at Michigan State, 75 points weren't enough at the Hall.
"It seems every game it's something different,'' Weber said. "The other night, we stop them but can't score and can't make free throws. Tonight we score and make free throws and can't stop them. It just seems like you never know who's going to play well.
"Shaun and Brian didn't get involved Wednesday, and tonight they were more involved and kept us in the game.''
If this two-game homestand is Illinois' last chance at saving some morale and hope, Illinois came up empty. Weber drew a technical foul by criticizing the officiating, then had to be restrained by his assistants.
"They haven't quit playing,'' Weber said. "They kept talkiung in the huddle. It looked tough at one point. They fought back.''
NOTES: Illinois freshman forward Billy Cole didn't go through warmup drills because of recurring leg pain. He will undergo an MRI, and Weber "is expecting the worst.'' Cole's pain didn't diminish despite recent rest. . . Tyler Griffey, a junior forward at Ballwin (Mo.) Lafayette High School who committed to Illinois earlier this week, attended the game. . . Michael Jordan arrived through the tunnel with 17:17 left in the first half and sat in the bleachers near the Illini bench. He wore an orange and blue outfit and watched his son Jeff play in person for the first time in Assembly Hall. MJ saw the Illini play Dec. 8 in Chicago. . .
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com <http://www.sj-r.com> and www.pjstar.com <http://www.pjstar.com> .
Illinois report card
Front court A
For the second time this season, Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt worked over the Purdue big men. Randle finished with a career high before fouling out late. Pruitt didn't miss a shot. Illinois needs this type of performance down the stretch from its seniors.
Back court C
Trent Meacham scored points, but the Illini guards didn't have an answer for quicker Boilers guards. Chester Frazier had two assists and three turnovers, and he didn't affect the game with his defense.
Bench D
Demetri McCamey was the only reserve who contributed. Otherwise, the Illini bench was overwhelmed. Purdue's physical defense wore down the Illini, and the Illinois bench couldn't provide much help.
Overall C
Illinois hit free throws and scored, something the Illini can't always do. But defense became the problem against the Boilers. Freshman E'Twaun Moore scored a career-high 24 points, and the Illini were left to swallow another disappointing loss. Indiana and Eric Gordon come to town for a came Thursday.