CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — Illinois cruised to an 81-55 victory over Rutgers in a Big Ten Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini led 43-16 at halftime and never were threatened.

Keaton Wagler scored 17 points to lead Illinois, which improved to 12-3. Tomislav Ivisic added 14 points and Andrej Stojakovic scored 12. The Illini shot 11 for 31 from 3-point range and 18 for 21 from the free-throw line.

Kaden Powers scored 12 points for the Scarlet Knights, who fell to 8-8. Rutgers shot just 36.5% from the field and 3 for 8 on free throws. A crowd of 13,190 attended the game.