Nov. 14, 2011

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - D.J. Richardson scored 20 points and Tyler Griffey and Meyers Leonard had career nights in the paint to lead Illinois to a 66-46 victory over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Monday night.

The Illini (2-0) totaled 48 rebounds, better than in any game last season, with Griffey and Leonard setting career highs with 11 each.

SIUE was led by 13 points from Mark Yelovich and 12 from Corey Wickware. The Cougars lost their season opener after winning their two exhibition games and fell to 0-11 all time against Big Ten opponents.

The game was the first of the Cancun Challenge, which includes eight Division I teams. Eight games are being played in the U.S. and then eight in Cancun, Mexico.