Illini stay unbeaten with win over FAMU

CHAMPAIGN -- Trent Meacham tied an Assembly Hall record with 8 three-pointers made in Illinois` 84-63 win over Florida A&M. Meacham, a Champaign Centennial product, shot 8-for-13 from beyond the arc to lead the Illini with 26 points. Florida A&M`s L.C. Robinson hit 4 threes of his own in the first half to pace the Rattlers (1-3) to a 38-34 halftime lead. The Illini, though, figured out how to exploit Florida A&M`s zone defense in the second half. A balanced mixture of inside-outside play helped the Illini shoot 62.5% from the field in the final 20 minutes. The Illini scored 50 points after the break and outrebounded Florida A&M 32-18 for the game as the Illini move to 4-0 on the season. Calvin Brock finished 3 assists short of his first career triple-double. The junior from Chicago (Simeon) High School shot better than 50% from the field to finish with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Chester Frazier added a double-double for the Orange and Blue. The sophomore recorded 10 assists along with 13 points. Three Illini played at least 39 minutes in Sunday`s win, but relief is on the way. Suspended guard Rich McBride is expected to return to the Illini lineup for their next game at home on Tuesday against Savannah St.