1996-97 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball — schedule and results
The 1996-97 Illinois Fighting Illini went 22-10 (11-7 in the Big Ten) under head coach Lon Kruger. The team peaked at #15 in the AP poll. Simple Rating System: 15.68.
Hoopsipedia's log holds 32 games from this season: 12–2 at home, 5–6 on the road, and 5–2 on neutral courts. The Fighting Illini scored 76.5 points per game and allowed 68.7 (+7.8 per game). Their longest winning streak ran 6 games, from Dec 6, 1996 to Dec 28, 1996. The most lopsided win was 92–51 over Delaware State Hornets on Nov 25, 1996; the heaviest defeat was 73–56 to Wisconsin Badgers on Jan 25, 1997. The tightest finish was a 1-point loss against California Golden Bears (88–89, overtime). 1 game went to overtime.
Among Illinois Fighting Illini's 120 recorded seasons, 1996-97's .688 winning percentage ranks 47th. Previous season: 1995-96 Fighting Illini (18–13). Next season: 1997-98 Fighting Illini (23–10).
Game-by-game results (32 games)
Game recaps
1996-11-30: Behind Wheat's 19 points, Louisville Cardinals pulled away from Illinois Fighting Illini 70–60. Gandy had 15 for Illinois Fighting Illini.
1996-12-21: Illinois Fighting Illini beat UCLA Bruins 79–63 as Matt Heldman scored a team-high 19. Toby Bailey had 17 for UCLA Bruins.
1997-01-04: Behind Garris, Kiwane's 23 points, Illinois Fighting Illini defeated Ohio State Buckeyes 72–64. Stringer, Damon had 13 for Ohio State Buckeyes.
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