CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Michael Finke scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to help Illinois to a 64-57 victory over Austin Peay on Wednesday night.
The Illini (7-3) snapped a three-game losing streak.
Illinois made 6 of 9 shot attempts to start the game and jumped out to an early 13-6 lead but went scoreless for almost six minutes. The Governors went on an 11-0 run to take the lead but weren't able to sustain an offensive rhythm either, shooting only 41.4 percent from the field.
The turning point came with just under five minutes left in the game. Locked at 50, Kipper Nichols stole an entry pass to the post and pushed the ball ahead. On the other end, Da'Monte Williams spotted up on the right wing, and nailed a 3-pointer to push the Illini ahead for good.
With 19.6 seconds left, Te'Jon Lucas was fouled on a layup attempt. He knocked down both free throws to make it a two-possession game and seal the victory.
In his first career start, Williams finished with five points, four rebounds and a team-high three steals.
The Governors were led by freshman Terry Taylor and senior Averyl Ugba. Both players combined for 28 points and 15 rebounds, but their performances weren't enough to help Austin Peay (4-5) steal a victory from its fourth Power Five opponent of the season.
Illinois has now won 12 consecutive non-conference home games.
TEAM NOTES
- Illinois forced 24 turnovers, its fourth time in the last six games forcing 20+ turnovers. Opponents are averaging 20.6 turnovers per game.
- Illinois ended a three-game losing streak.
- Illinois was 15-of-20 shooting from the line in the second half, tied for its second-most free throws made in a half this season (19-20, first half vs. Southern).
- Illinois overcame a poor shooting first half. The Illini's first-half marks in points (26), field goals (10) and three-pointers (1) all tied season lows for a half.
INDIVIDUALÂ NOTES
- RS Junior forward Michael Finke led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He also had a team-high eight rebounds to be two rebounds away from his third career double-double.
- RS Junior forward Leron Black had 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, his seventh straight game scoring in double figures. Black is averaging a team-best 14.8 points per game
