Illinois routs USC 94-64 at Maui Invitational; Paul scores 26

LAHAINA, Hawaii – Brandon Paul scored 26 points and Illinois used a hot first half to ride to an easy 94-64 win over USC Monday night at the Maui Invitational.

Illinois shot just under 69 percent in the first half on its way to a 31-point lead at the break. USC pulled no closer than 18 points in the second half despite some sloppy play from Illinois, which finished with 20 turnovers.

The Illini (4-0), who never trailed, also got 13 points from DJ Richardson, 11 from Tracy Abrams and 10 from Tyler Griffey.

USC (2-1) was led by Eric Wise with 13 points.

Illinois plays host team Chaminade on Tuesday. The Division II school knocked off Texas earlier Monday.