Guard Brandon Paul's 17 points and nine rebounds helped the Illinois Fighting Illini best the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in a Sunday meeting of unbeatens from Assembly Hall, 66-53.
No. 10 Illinois vs. Eastern Kentucky: Fighting Illini top Colonels to stay unbeaten
The No. 10 Fighting Illini get big guard production and pull away late from previously unbeaten Eastern Kentucky for a strong 66-53 win.
USA TODAY Sports
Bertrand's production off the bench for the No. 10 Fighting Illini (12-0) combined with another big game from guard Tracy Abrams to help Illinois overcome Eastern Kentucky guard Corey Walden's 19 points off the bench on Sunday.
Both teams' offensive attacks were held in check on Sunday, especially in the first half, which ended with Illinois up 25-20.
The two offenses came somewhat alive in the second period, with Illinois eventually building a late, 10-point lead with just more than seven minutes to go that they would not relinquish on their way to a 13-point win.
Eastern Kentucky looked like they would get back in the game after two Walden free throws pulled the Colonels to within four, but Abrams, who finished with 13 points, scored five key points in the final minutes to help Illinois escape with the win.
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