TJ Crockett led the Lindenwood men's basketball team with a game-high 24-point performance during a Tuesday night exhibition contest at NCAA Division I Illinois from State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. The Fighting Illini prevailed in the contest, winning by a final score of 117-65.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood got itself off to a hot start, taking a quick 8-2 lead over Illinois after 2:14 of play. Crockett scored five of the first eight points for the Lions, while Jalen Newsom added three points.

The Fighting Illini charged back, embarking on a 21-0 run to take a 23-8 lead over the Lions. Illinois never looked back in the exhibition contest, eventually carrying a 66-29 lead into the break.

Lindenwood performed better during the second half of play, but was unable to quiet the powerful Illinois offense. The Fighting Illini could not be stopped, eventually cruising to the 117-65 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Crockett finished the evening with a game-high 24 points (10-16 FG, 3-5 3PFG)
- Vijay Blackmon (12 points) and Cameron Scales (11 points) were the other Lions to reach double-digit scoring in the game.
- Crockett and Anthony Christian each secured four rebounds in the game, tying for the team lead.
- Blackmon dished out four assists for the Lions, while six other players had at least one assist.
- Crockett (3-5 3PFG), Scales (3-8 3PFG), and Newsom (2-6 3PFG) all had multiple makes from three-point range, helping Lindenwood knock down 11 three-point field-goals.
- Lindenwood got to the free-throw line just five times in the game, while Illinois attempted 37 free throws.

QUOTABLE
Head Coach Kyle Gerdeman
"I am really proud of our team tonight," explained Gerdeman. "Obviously these are not easy games to play in. Our challenge was to play our system offensively and defensively and to try and improve against a really good Big Ten team. We had our struggles at times, but overall I thought we kept our focus and tried to do the right things and play the right way. I am glad that we were able to do that."

UP NEXT
The Lions will pick back up following the Thanksgiving holiday with their first-ever GLVC matchup. Lindenwood will take on crosstown rival, Missouri-St. Louis on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Louis, Mo.