GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — Illinois used a balanced offensive attack and a strong second half to defeat VCU 76-55 in a men’s NCAA Division I playoff game Saturday at Bi-Lo Center.

The Fighting Illini, led by Andrej Stojakovic’s game-high 21 points, led 35-28 at halftime before pulling away. Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler each added 14 points for Illinois. Terrence Hill scored 17 points to lead the Rams.

A crowd of 14,178 watched as Illinois improved to 26-8 this season. VCU, which got 11 points each from Barry Evans and Tyrell Ward, finished its season with a 28-8 record.