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Illinois Basketball: Leron Black’s 5 best games from 2016-17

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) defends in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) defends in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) box out Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) during the second half at State Farm Center. The Terrapins won 62-56. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) box out Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) during the second half at State Farm Center. The Terrapins won 62-56. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois vs. VCU

Arguably the biggest win of the season for the Illinois basketball team was a victory over VCU early on in the year. This was a tough matchup against what is now a perennial NCAA tournament team in the Rams.

Illinois entered the game needing a win because they had dropped three of their last four games. The Illini fought the entire night and displayed the best defense they played all year. They ended up coming out of this game with a 6-3 record after a 64-46 pounding of VCU.

The Illini had three players score at least 12 points in this game. Jalen Coleman-Lands dropped 12 points and Malcolm Hill added in 16, but the leader that night was Black. He was spectacular in every fashion.

Black finished the night with 18 points and 8 rebounds. He was very efficient from the field as well, shooting 6-of-13 or 46-percent. His leadership helped the Illini to continue their push toward the NCAA tournament.

The free throw line was also good to Black that night. He ended up getting to the line eight times and he made six of those free throw attempts. He did whatever it took to get the victory.

Next: Tim Finke would fill a need in 2018

Black has a big job on his hands this upcoming season. As he goes, so does the team. They need to continue feeding the ball to him and let him go to work.

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