Tweet #WinTheMoment   |  Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Eastern Illinois men's basketball held the lead over No. 25 Illinois for the first eight minutes of the contest before the Fighting Illini closed the first half with a 10-0 run as they pulled away for an 80-52 win.

Kooper Jacobi scored six early points as he posted a double-double for the Panthers with ten points and 11 rebounds.

Illinois grabbed its first lead of the game with 7:16 remaining in the opening half on back-to-back baskets by Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn putting Illinois up 21-19.  He would finish with 18 points to lead all scorers.

EIU's last points of the first half came on a jumper by Jaylin Gibson with 3:03 to play as the Illinois closed the half on a 10-0 run to lead 37-27 at the break.

Terrence Shannon Jr. scored five early points to open the second half as Illinois opened with a 7-0 run.  Shannon had 16 points.

EIU battled on the glass most of the contest pulling down 14 offensive rebounds, finishing with 40 in the game.   Tiger Booker had nine points and Nakyel Shelton added seven for the Panthers.