CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Brian Cook made a successful return to the lineup Sunday, scoring 17 points to lead 25th-ranked Illinois to an 85-56 victory over Western Illinois.
Cook, who was suspended for the first two games of the season after participating in an unsanctioned summer tournament, also grabbed six rebounds.
Sophomore forward Roger Powell scored 15 points and added seven rebounds for the Illini (3-0), who have won 22 consecutive non-conference home games.
Illinois shot 62 percent from the field, including seven of 16 three-pointers. Senior guard Sean Harrington hit three of four shots from beyond the arc to account for all nine of his points.
Junior guard Jerrance Howard, who was suspended with Cook for the Illini's first two games, did not take a shot in three minutes.
Matt Robins scored 14 points and Andre Charles added 10 for Western Illinois (1-2).
