CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Eastern Illinois had eight new faces on its 2022-23 roster as the Panthers opened the year with an 87-57 loss at No. 23 Illinois.

Kinyon Hodges and Yaakema Rose Jr both scored in double figures to lead the Panthers as they trailed 46-31 at that half.  Hodges scored 14 points while Rose added ten.

EIU shot 41 percent in the opening half but had a cold streak come early in the second half as Illinois broke open the game with a 19-3 run in the half.

Coleman Hawkins was hot from outside hitting four of his first five 3-pointers as he finished the night with 23 points, one of three Illini players in double figures.  Terrence Shannon Jr led all players with 24 points.

Dain Dainja had a double-double off the bench with 17 points and ten rebounds.  Hawkins had a game-high 12 rebounds as Illinois posted a 53-30 advantage on the glass.

Hodges and Sincere Malone led EIU with five rebounds each.  The Panthers would end the game shooting 35 percent from the field.  Illinois shot 47 percent in the game.

Rose added two steals for EIU as the Panthers had 12 for the game.

EIU returns to action on Thursday night for its home opener as the Panthers will play Illinois State in the Redbirds first trip to First Mid Court at Lantz Arena in more than 40 years.