Nov. 13, 2009

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.- The University of Illinois shot 55 percent from the field Friday night to run away with a 96-69 win over the SIUE Cougars in the men's basketball season opener for both teams. The win came in front of 16,012 at Illinois' Assembly Hall.

"Illinois is a good team," Head Coach Lennox Forrester said. "But I give our guys credit. They didn't give up they just kept fighting back."

Freshman Brandon Paul led the way for the Illini, 1-0, with 22 points. Paul was one of four Illini to score in double figures.

SIUE, 0-1, couldn't overcome a poor shooting night themselves. The Cougars shot just 25 percent (7-28) for the first half and just 34.5 percent (20-58) for the entire game.

The Cougars, who trailed 47-25 at half, scored 45 second-half points.

"The second half we played a little bit better," Forrester said.

Three Cougars scored in double figures Friday. Seniors Stephen Jones (Bethalto), Denykco Bowles (Nassau, Bahamas) and Aamir McCleary (Philadelphia, Pa.) each had 13 points in the loss. Bowles was 4 for 9 from the field and hit a pair of first half three-pointers. Jones was 3 of 6 from the field. McCleary also led the team with five rebounds.

Jones was also a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line, where the Cougars shot 95.7 percent (22-23) for the game . "We've been working on that," Forrester said. "We converted at the line when we had our opportunities."

The Cougars must regroup quickly to play host to Illinois State University in the home opener Sunday afternoon. Game time is 2:30 p.m. at the Vadalabene Center.

"I know it is a quick turnaround for us," Forrester said. "We still have a few things to address. I'll give them about 24 hours to get it out of their system, and we have to get right back at it."

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