(WSCR) – Northwestern didn’t have a chance when they took the court against Illinois. The Fighting Illini took a 23 point lead at the half. The Wildcats put up a second half fight, but were too far behind for a comeback.

Demetri McCamey scored 14 points and Illinois routed Northwestern 88-63 on Thursday night to improve to 3-0 in Big Ten play.

Mike Tisdale added 13 points, Mike Davis had 12, Meyers Leonard and Jereme Richmond had 11 each and D.J. Richardson finished with 10. The Illini (13-3) led by 25 at the half, 49-24, and pushed their edge past 30 in the final 20 minutes.

Illinois opened with a flurry of 3-point shots for a 9-2 lead. The Illini then pounded home three straight demoralizing dunks, the last by Tisdale for a 42-19 lead late in the half.

JerShon Cobb led Northwestern (9-4, 0-3) with 18 points, Michael Thompson had 15. John Shurna entered the game averaging 21 points, but had just seven Thursday.

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.