Illinois Fighting Illini outlast Gardner Webb, 63-62

Tyler Griffey's three pointer with just six seconds to go in the game was the difference for the Illinois Fighting Illini as they got past the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 63-62 in Champaign.

Both of Griffey's three point field goals came in the second half, scoring the first and last points of the final frame for Illinois. Griffey had 13 points on the day as did Joseph Bertrand. The Fighting Illini got much of their production from their bench with Brandon Paul putting away 15 points and D.J. Richardson chipping in 11 points as well.

Gardner-Webb was led in scoring by Donta Harper who finished with a game high 16 points on just four of 14 shooting from the field. Harper converted all but one of his eight free throws on the day. Tashan Newsome and Max Landis also finished the game in double digits with 11 and 10 points respectively.

Illinois escaped the game with a win despite turning the ball over 18 times compared to Gardner-Webb's dozen turnovers. The Fighting Illini will have a couple of days to rest before they take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Assembly Hall on Wednesday.