Nov. 15, 2002

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Freshman Dee Brown led all scorers with a game high 23 points as Illinois held off a late rally by the EA Sports All-Stars to win 79-76 and finish the exhibition season at 2-0.

A desperation three-point attempt by former Illini Sergio McClain, which would have tied the game, rimmed out at the buzzer.

Illinois was leading comfortably most of the way thanks to the outstanding play of Brown and fellow freshman James Augustine. While Brown took care of business outside, Augustine manned the paint scoring eight points to go with a team high seven rebounds and three blocks. Nick Smith added 12 points, while Brian Cook and Luther Head each added eight.

EA Sports was led by former Michigan Wolverine Leon Jones who scored 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting beyond the arc. Aaron Turner also added 16 points to go with 13 rebounds. Also in double figures was former Illini Lucas Johnson who scored 11 points and dished out a game high five assists. In addition to former Illini standouts Johnson and McClain, Marcus Griffin also saw time for the All-Stars scoring three points and dishing out three assists.

Illinois begins the regular season on Nov. 24 when they host Lehigh at 7 p.m. at the Assembly Hall.