Nov. 19, 1999

? 1. With its 76-53 win over Western Illinois this evening, Illinois improves to 3-1 in season openers under head coach Lon Kruger. Under Kruger, Illinois is now 3-1 in home season openers.

? 2. Illini sophomore Cory Bradford hit a three-pointer to open the game and with that three he continued his streak of having hit at least one three in every game he has played in an Illini uniform. He has hit a three in 33-straight games.

? 3. Illinois' starting line-up featured two McDonald's All-Americans making their regular season Illinois debut (Marcus Griffin, Frank Williams). Illinois' third McDonald's All-American, freshman forward Brian Cook, made it three to make their debut tonight when he entered the game at the 7:56 mark in the first half.

? 4. Illini sophomore Lucas Johnson hit a career-high four three-pointers tonight en route to a team-high 15-point performance. Johnson, who had 12 points at the half, had previously hit three three-pointers against Indiana last March 5, 1999.

? 5. Cory Bradford collected his 500th career point tonight. The sophomore guard entered the game needing six points and he now has 506 career points.

? 6. After entering the half with only a 30-25 lead, Illinois went on a 24-4 run in the first eight minutes of the second half to take a 54-29 lead into the final 12 minutes. Illinois outscored WIU 46-28 in the second frame.

? 7. Illinois now has a 2-0 lead in the series against Western Illinois. Illinois won the only other meeting between the two teams, 65-49, on December 2, 1983.

? 8. Illinois' next game is at Bradley on Monday at 7 p.m.