Illinois defeats Oakland 66-54

Fighting Illini win second straight game

Matthew Mayer leads team with 17 points

The Illinois Fighting Illini won their second straight game on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 66-54 at State Farm Center.

Illinois was led by Matthew Mayer, who finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

The Illini also got a big game from Terrence Shannon Jr., who finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Illinois took control of the game early and never looked back.

The Illini led by as many as 18 points in the second half before Oakland rallied to cut the lead to 52-45 with just over three minutes remaining.

But Illinois held on for the win, making it two straight wins after opening the season with a loss to Cincinnati.

The Illini will return to action on Wednesday night when they host the No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center.