Dec. 6, 2006

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Warren Carter had 21 points and eight rebounds as the Illini defeated IUPUI 87-59 Wednesday night for the 200th win of coach Bruce Weber's career.

The Illini (7-2) shot 55.2 percent from the floor, including 58.3 percent from three-point range, to end a two-game losing streak.

Illinois benefited from the return of guard Jamar Smith, who scored 15 points on 5-for-5 three-point shooting. Smith had been benched with a high ankle sprain since the season opener against Austin Peay.

IUPUI (3-5) was led by guard Davis Barlow, who had 19 points and five rebounds for the Jaguars.

Illinois led 42-25 at the half, led by guard Rich McBride's nine points on 3-for-6 three-point shooting. Calvin Brock and Warren Carter each had eight points at the break.

Matt Burks opened the second half with a 3-pointer for IUPUI, but Illinois went on an 18-6 run to end the game.

Illinois built its lead to 79-54 when Smith stole the ball and fired a skip pass to McBride for a wide open 3-pointer then followed it up with a three of his own on Illinois' next possession.

Illinois jumped to a 10-2 lead just more than three minutes into the game as McBride hit a pair of 3-pointers, Brock sunk a jumper and Carter connected on two free throws. IUPUI cut the lead to four when Jon Avery made a lay up with 10:59 to go in the first half, but that was as close as the game would get.

Illinois forward Brian Randle still is sitting out following surgery to repair a groin injury, while forward Shaun Pruitt played despite hurting his shooting hand in the Arizona game.