CHAMPAIGN, ILL. • D.J. Richardson scored 20 points to lead four players in double figures and the No. 24 Illini beat Coppin State 80-63 on Sunday night.
After failing to get any sort of offensive rhythm in a narrow win against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, Illinois shot 56 percent from the floor against Coppin State's zone defense, including a season-best 10 three-pointers.
"(We) just shot the ball and just had to bounce back from the last game," Richardson said.
Illinois (10-0) hung on to remain one of nine undefeated teams in the nation despite a second-half surge from the Eagles.
After Illinois jumped out to a 17-point lead in the opening minutes of the second half, Coppin State went on a 20-5 run to cut the lead to 59-57. Illinois responded with a 13-3 burst after Illinois center Meyers Leonard and Coppin State guard Taariq Cephas both received technical fouls when the two got tangled up and had to be separated.
Following the pair of technicals, Illinois head coach Bruce Weber switched to a four-guard rotation alongside Leonard, and the group turned to Leonard to provide enough offense down the stretch.
"I think our guys are smart enough at that point of the game to know where the ball needs to go," Weber said.
Tony Gallo scored 21 points for Coppin State (3-5), which also made 10 3-pointers.
"I don't think the score is indicative of the game," Weber said.
Leonard had 18 points and 11 rebounds for his second career double-double, while guards Sam Maniscalco and Brandon Paul each scored 12 points.
"We went zone to basically try and stay away from Meyers Leonard hurting us," Coppin State head coach Ron Mitchell said. "He's 7-1 and I have a midget squad. I have to try and do the best I can with what I have."
Weber said officials warned the coaches before the game about being extra careful with incidents on the court after the fight between Xavier and Cincinnati players Saturday, which led to the quick technicals for Leonard and Cephals.
The starting backcourt trio of Maniscalco, Paul and Richardson combined for nine of Illinois' 10 3-pointers, most of which came against Coppin State's zone defense.
