CHAMPAGNE, Ill. — Despite freshman Jarrod West’s 23 points and Ajdin Penava’s double-double, Marshall couldn’t overcome 19 turnovers in a 91-74 loss at Illinois on Sunday night at the State Farm Center.
Five players reached double figures for the Fighting Illini (4-0), led by 17 from Leron Black and Kipper Nichols.
West’s offense came from 7-of-8 shooting overall and 5-of-6 from 3-point range for the Herd (2-2), while Penava earned his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Junior guard Jon Elmore reached double digits for the 39th consecutive game though his 14 points came on 2-of-11 shooting with six turnovers. He came in averaging 28 points per game.
“West played extremely well for a kid that is playing in his fourth college game,” D’Antoni said. “I thought Ajdin was the best big man on the floor. Jon didn’t give us his normal Jon game, but that happens from time-to-time.”
The Illini opened up 23-point lead at 66-43 with 12 minutes left on a jumper by Nichols, who also grabbed 11 rebounds. Illinois committed only six turnovers.
“We lost a lot of good players from last year, but with this group, I’m happy with what they’ve shown me what they can do,” D’Antoni said.