Nov. 22, 1999

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? Postgame Audio

By JAY HUGHES
Associated Press Writer

PEORIA, Ill. - Cory Bradford scored 22 points Monday night to lead No. 17 Illinois to a 72-62 win over Bradley.

The Illini (2-0) were trailing 32-30 at halftime, but Bradford nailed a 3-pointer to open the second half and start a 9-2 run that gave Illinois a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

Rob Dye scored 19 points to lead Bradley (1-1). Dye had only seven points in the second half, when he was benched with four fouls and had trouble getting back into the flow when he returned to the floor.

Illinois' starting lineup boasts three players from Peoria who were playing in their hometown for the first time since high school. Frank Williams led the trio with 16 points, Marcus Griffin had 14 and Sergio McClain had 5.

Illinois shot 26-of-36 percent from the free-throw line.

The win allowed Illinois to sweep a three-game series between the teams. The game was the first time Illinois and Bradley have played in Peoria since 1936.