Sam Maniscalco helps lead Illinois over Lipscomb

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Illini guard Sam Maniscalco scored 15 against Lipscomb. | Darrell Hoemann~AP

Updated: December 19, 2011 8:27AM

CHAMPAIGN — The ‘‘veteran’’ core has had its moments. Juniors D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul and Tyler Griffey and sophomore Meyers Leonard all averaged at least 10 points in Illinois’ first two games.

If the Illini are going to get where they want to go this year, though, the newcomers at point guard — senior Sam Maniscalco, a transfer from Bradley, and freshman Tracy Abrams — are going to have to hold up their end of the deal.

‘‘I hope it’s a good thing,’’ Weber said of his multiple-point-guard approach, which also includes cameos for Paul and Crandall Head. ‘‘Tracy is so determined. He wants to learn. Sam’s the mature guy, he knows a little better. And Brandon and Crandall can give us that combo guard. I hope it makes us a little more versatile.’’

With Abrams limited by a turf- toe injury, the spotlight was on Maniscalco on Thursday night. He responded with 15 points as Illinois (3-0) defeated Lipscomb 79-64.

Richardson (17 points) led Illinois for the second straight game. Paul added 12 and Joseph Bertrand 11. Abrams had four points and three rebounds in 10 minutes spelling Maniscalco. Head had three points and four turnovers in 11 minutes.

Illinois led 33-26 after a sloppy first half. When the Bisons (1-2) cut the lead to 36-33 early in the second, Illinois responded with a 14-0 run for a 50-33 lead with 12 minutes to play.

Weber wasn’t happy with Illinois’ 21 turnovers but said, ‘‘These games are good for us. I’ve said all along we need experience and maturity. The only way to get that is to go through these games.’’

Jacob Arnett (17 points) and Robert Boyd (16) led Lipscomb.

Mansicalco played 22 minutes on his surgically repaired left ankle. His minutes are likely to be closely monitored all season.

That means Abrams, from Mount Carmel, will continue to learn on the job. He is athletic and competitive and has a big upside but remains a work in progress.

‘‘I’m playing hard,’’ Abrams said, ‘‘trying to bring something to the team. Be aggressive and bring energy. Coach talks about knowing your role. That’s my role. Just be aggressive and find something I can do to help the team win. The most important thing is to keep winning games.’’

Abrams’ teammates appreciate his refuse-to-lose enthusiasm.

‘‘He’s still learning,’’ Paul said. ‘‘But he’s a talented kid, and he plays like a bulldog for us. That’s our nickname for him. He really hustles, and he loves the game.’’