NICEVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Kendrick Nunn scored 18 points in his season debut as Illinois defeated UAB 72-58 in a semifinal round game at the Emerald Coast Classic.
Nunn, who missed the Illini's first five games after having thumb surgery last month to repair a ligament, averaged 11.1 points last season which was third on the team.
Illinois (3-3) led 28-23 at halftime but took control with a 14-3 run to start the second half. Malcolm Hill had six of his 12 points during the run.
Maverick Morgan and Leron Black also scored 12 points for the Illini, who will face fourth-ranked Iowa State in Saturday's championship game.
Chris Cokley had 13 points and six rebounds, and Robert Brown added 13 points for the Blazers (3-2).
