Nov. 8, 2006

Box Score

Champaign, Ill. - In its final tune-up prior to the regular season, Illinois defeated SIU-Edwardsville 76-57 Wednesday night in an exhibition game at the Assembly Hall.

Illinois got a stiff test from SIUE, ranked No. 3 nationally in the NCAA Division II preseason poll. Leading 26-23 with seven minutes left in the first half, the Illini went on an 8-1 run over the next four minutes to extend the lead to 10, and eventually went into halftime with a 37-28 advantage.

Illinois played well after intermission, extending its lead to 19 points by the 13-minute mark and held a commanding lead the rest of the way. The Illini shot 68 percent in the second half, hitting 17-of-25 from the floor. For the game, Illinois shot 56.4 percent and outrebounded SIUE 38-25.

Senior Warren Carter led the way with a game-high 17 points on 7-11 shooting. He also had a game-high six rebounds in addition to two assists and two blocks in 25 minutes of action.

Sophomore Chester Frazier joined Carter in double figures, scoring 13 points on 5-10 shooting. Frazier added four assists, four rebounds and two steals on the night.

Sophomore Trent Meacham came off the bench to score nine while freshman Richard Semrau and sophomore Calvin Brock added seven points apiece. Brock also had a game-high five assists.

Illinois begins the 2006-07 regular season with seven games in 13 days. It all starts next Monday at the Assembly Hall, when the Illini host Austin Peay in the season opener at 7 p.m.