Eastern Illinois pulls away early to beat Illinois-Chicago

CHICAGO -- Cornell Johnston scored 21 points and had a season-high nine assists to lead Eastern Illinois over Illinois-Chicago 90-76 on Sunday.

Johnston was 7 of 12 from the floor and made four 3-pointers. Montell Goodwin added 19 points and four 3-point baskets for Eastern Illinois (5-3). Aboubacar Diallo had a career-high 14 rebounds, and Patrick Muldoon grabbed a career-best 10 rebounds.

Marcus Ottey scored 16 points to lead Illinois-Chicago (4-4), which had its three-game home winning streak snapped. The Flames shot just 23 of 59 from the floor for 39 percent, and made only 23 of 34 free throws.

The Panthers took the lead for good with 6:42 to play in the first half. Eastern Illinois closed the half on a 20-12 surge, had a nine-point lead at halftime and the Flames didn't get closer.