Illinois’ Tracy Abrams shoots against Eastern Kentucky during the second half of Sunday’s game. (The Associated Press)
In a game between undefeated teams, the Illini led by 11 early but needed a late 12-2 run to gain control and help John Groce become only the second coach in Illinois history to win his first 12 games.
Groce matched the school record for the best start by a first-year coach set by Fletcher Lane in 1907.
Joseph Bertrand chipped in with 11 points for Illinois.
Corey Walden scored 21 points and Glenn Cosey had 11 for the Colonels (9-1), who came in riding the school’s best start in 66 years. Eastern Kentucky hadn’t won nine straight games since the 1964-65 season.
Illinois stretched its regular-season, non-conference winning streak at home to 34 games.
NO. 24 OKLAHOMA ST. 91, CENT. ARKANSAS 63
STILLWATER, Okla. — Le’Bryan Nash scored 19 points, Markel Brown had 14 points and eight rebounds and Oklahoma State overcame a slow start to beat Central Arkansas.
The Cowboys (8-1) fell behind by 11 in the first 8 minutes, but responded with 13 straight points to take the lead for good.
Phil Forte had 12 points, and Michael Cobbins and Marcus Smart each scored 10 for Oklahoma State.
Jordan Harks tied a career high with 16 points and Jarvis Garner had 14 for the Bears (4-4).
The Cowboys racked up a 53-35 rebounding advantage, outscored the Bears 44-26 in the paint and led by at least nine throughout the second half.
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