Andrej Stojakovic notched a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds and David Mirkovic added 19 points and seven boards to help 11th-ranked Illinois rout visiting Oregon 80-54 on Tuesday in Champaign, Ill.
Illinois (23-7, 14-5 Big Ten) dominated behind multiple extended runs to stop a two-game losing streak while sending Oregon to its third loss in five games. The Ducks (11-19, 4-15) have lost seven of their past eight on the road.
Oregon, which entered the game shooting 32.6% from long range this season, went 5 for 29 as part of a 32.8% overall effort from the floor. Illinois shot 40.8% while holding a 36-26 edge in points in the paint and a 13-4 advantage in fast-break scoring.
The Fighting Illini overcame a sluggish beginning to seize control with a 21-0 run in the first half. They turned a 9-3 deficit into a 24-9 advantage over a six-minute span. Stojakovic contributed six points to the spurt while Zvonimir Ivisic and Keaton Wagler added five apiece.
A Nate Bittle layup at the 8:46 mark snapped a Ducks’ scoring drought of 6:25 while drawing the visitors to within 13 points. Wagler answered with a trey on the ensuing possession en route to 11 first-half points.
Stojakovic, who set a career high in rebounds, scored 15 points after halftime. He was instrumental during a 15-0 run midway through the second half. The Illini led by as many as 30 down the stretch.
Bittle led the Ducks with 15 points while Kwame Evans Jr. had 13 points and eight rebounds. Takai Simpkins scored nine points and Sean Stewart grabbed eight boards.
After misfiring on seven of eight shots to start the game, Illinois sizzled for the rest of the opening half. The Illini shot 45.5% before the break compared to 27.3% for the Ducks to take a 41-21 advantage into the break.
Bittle had nine points at the half.
Mirkovic fouled out in 27 minutes of play, committing five of Illinois’ nine fouls in the game. The Illini also committed only six turnovers.
Illinois can secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the upcoming Big Ten tournament with a victory at Maryland on Sunday.
–Field Level Media
