Loyola Chicago 49 at Illinois 67
Illinois opens with 67-49 win over Loyola Chicago
By DAVID MERCER, Associated Press Saturday, Nov 12, 2011CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP)—Meyers Leonard scored 15 points and had six blocks and Brandon Paul added 14 points to lead Illinois to a 67-49 season-opening win over Loyola Chicago on Friday.
Leonard, a 7-foot-1 sophomore, had nine points by halftime and hit the first 3-pointer of his career for the Illini. Paul overcame a cold-shooting first half in which he scored two points to lead Illinois.
Paul’s 3-pointer with just over nine minutes to play gave the Illini a 48-38 lead and the breathing room they needed to finish off the Ramblers (0-1).
Loyola had pulled to within 38-34 with 11:53 to play after an 11-2 run.
Walt Gibbler led Loyola with 19 points, 15 in the second half.
Updated Saturday, Nov 12, 2011
