Illini thump Hawkeyes in men's basketball matchup

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Freshman D.J. Richardson scored 17 points last night to lead Illinois to a 59-42 Big Ten men's basketball victory win over struggling Iowa.

Richardson started the game from the bench for the first time in his college career but entered the game early for Illinois (10-5, 2-0) and hit five three-pointers. He was 6 of 11 from the floor.

The Illini went on a 20-1 run early in the first half to open up a 22-4 lead that Iowa (5-10, 0-3) couldn't overcome. The Hawkeyes closed to within 39-24 early in the second half but pushed no closer.

Illinois moved into an early season tie atop the conference with Purdue and Wisconsin.

The Hawkeyes were led by Eric May's nine points and Matt Gatens' eight points. They have lost five of their last eight games and are last in the Big Ten.

Iowa shot just 30.6 percent from the field and made just 6 of 28 3-point attempts for 21.4 percent.