Postgame Notes (via Illinois Athletics)
- The win over VCU was the 1,750th in program history. The Illini are the 14th-winningest program in NCAA history with a 1,750-961 all-time record (.646).
- RS sophomore forward Leron Black earned Hoophall Miami Invitational MVP honors with a game-high and career-high tying 18 points along with eight rebounds. Black is averaging 12.8 points and 8.0 rebounds over the Illini's last five games.
- The Illini defense held VCU to its lowest point total (46) since a 60-40 loss at UNC Wilmington, Dec. 4, 2005. The Illinois defense limited the Rams to 30 percent FG shooting (16-of-53), 11 percent 3FG shooting (2-18) and forced 14 turnovers, which were turned in to 23 points on the Illini offensive end.
- Illinois did not allow VCU to make a field goal in the final 7:37 of the game, when the UI lead was 44-40. The Orange and Blue finished with a 20-6 run the rest of the way, limiting the Rams to just six FTs and 0-6 shooting.
- After falling behind 11-3 early and making just one of its first 12 shots, Illinois used a 19-3 first half run to take a 22-14 lead 4:46 before halftime and would never trail again.
- Senior guard Malcolm Hill scored 16 points to bring his career scoring total to 1,409, tying him with Kendall Gill for 18th on the UI all-time scoring list.
- Sophomore guard Jalen Coleman-Lands, usually a three-point specialist, hit a career-high five two-point field goals and finished with 12 points. He was 5-of-6 from inside the arc against the Rams. He entered the game 2-of-14 from two-point range and his previous high in game was three at Michigan State on 1/7/16.