CHAMPAIGN — Without a single player taller than 6-foot-9, Coppin State coach Ron “Fang” Mitchell decided to employ a zone against Illinois and 7-foot-1 center Meyers Leonard.
His game plan didn’t work.
The Fighting Illini still got the ball inside and they made a season-best 10 shots behind the 3-point arc as Illinois improve to 10-0 with a 80-63 victory over the Coppin State Eagles before 14,811 at the Assembly Hall on Sunday night.
“We went zone basically because we tried to stay away from Meyers Leonard hurting us,’’ Mitchell said. “He is 7-1 and I have a midget squad. I have to do the best I can with what I have.
“I think — I know — that wasn’t the best thing.’’
After a dismal offensive performance on Wednesday, the Illini were focused on getting the ball inside against the Eagles.
“Once we got Meyers some touches at the high post and we got the ball to the short corner, behind the defense, it opened up things for everyone else,’’ said Illinois senior guard Sam Maniscalco, who 12 points and five assists.
And the guy finding those open looks was junior guard D.J. Richardson, who matched his career best with 20 points.
“I just shot the ball,’’ he said. “I was trying to bounce back from the last game, and not have another game like I did against St. Bonaventure.’’
Richardson had 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in Wednesday’s 48-43 win over St. Bonaventure. He still attempted 13 shots, but he made seven and he was 4-of-8 behind the arc.
But even with an improved offensive game, the Illini still struggled against the Eagles (3-5) as Coppin State had a 20-5 run in the second half, pulling within 59-57.
“It was a little scary for a little while,’’ Illinois coach Bruce said Weber, pointing out the Coppin State has already played at Connecticut, Purdue and Oklahoma this season. “They have been a lot of places and they weren’t going to back down to anyone. They will shoot the 3 and if you don’t get to them, they can make some shots.’’
Just as the Eagles were poised to tie the Illini or take a lead, Leonard and Coppin State’s Taariq Cephas, a 5-9 freshman guard, got called for double technicals with 7 minutes, 33 seconds left.
“I have no idea,’’ said Leonard when asked why got the technical. “I didn’t look at him, I looked down at him.
“All I did was smile. I didn’t say a word to him. From that point on, I felt like we had a little fire.’’
Leonard scored eight of his team’s final 21 points as the Illini turned a 59-57 contest, into an 80-63 victory.
Coppin State’s Tony Gallo was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points, while Michael Harper had 13.
After Richardson’s 20 for Illinois, came Leonard with 18, while Maniscalco and Brandon Paul each chipped in with 12.
Up next for the Illini is Saturday’s game at the United Center in Chicago against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.
Illinois defeated UNLV 73-62 in the NCAA Tournament last year, and the Illini have won all three previous matchups with the Rebels.
Tipoff in Chicago is set for 4 p.m.
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