Illini explode in 2nd half against Kent St to advance to NIT Qtr Finals

CHAMPAIGN—Illinois used a big second-half run to beat Kent State 75-58 on Monday night and advance to the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament.With the game tied at 31 at halftime, Illinois (20-14) went on an 18-7 run out of the break to take control. Illinois hosts the winner of Dayton-Cincinnati on Wednesday.For a team that relies on its outside shooting, Illinois pounded the ball inside to score 40 of its points in the paint. Mike Davis had 16 points and 16 rebounds for his 15th double-double this season, while Mike Tisdale had 17 points.Kent State (24-9) hurt itself at the free-throw line, converting only 10 of 18 attempts for a paltry 55.6 percent while shooting 38.9 percent from the field.Justin Greene led the Golden Flashes with 15 points, while Anthony Simpson provided a spark off the bench with 14 points.