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North Florida tied a school record with 17 three pointers in a 93-81 win over Illinois in the Fighting Illini's season opener at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield on Friday night. The Ospreys were 17-of-33 (52%) from downtown, handing Illinois their first loss in a season opener since 1998.
Big man transfer Mike Thorne Jr. scored a game high 25 points to go with 14 rebounds to lead Illinois. Malcolm Hill scored 20 and grabbed 10 boards in the loss.
North Florida was led by Dallas Moore who posted 26 points, 10 assists and no turnovers. Beau Beech was 7-of-8 from 3-point range which accounted for 21 of his 25 points.
Illinois hosts North Dakota State at the PCCC on Sunday at 2pm.
