Illinois Defeats Chicago State 77-53

 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Jon Ekey scored 19 points for the second consecutive game to lead Illinois to an easy 77-53 win over Chicago State on Friday.

The 6-foot-7 forward went 5 of 8 from the three-point stripe, and almost single-handedly carried the Illini (5-0) in the game's final minutes. Joseph Bertrand, Tracy Abrams and Rayvonte Rice each added 12 points. Center Nnanna Egwu grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds.

Illinois jumped out to a 12-2 start and led 33-26 at the half.

The Illini out-rebounded Chicago State 39-20.

Junior guard Clarke Rosenberg led the Cougars (2-4) with 16 points, while Matt Ross added 13.

Illinois starts the season 5-0 for the third consecutive year. Illinois had played Chicago State 11 times and has won every game.

(© 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)