Meyers Leonard came off the bench to score a career-high 15 points and Illinois used an 8-0 run early in the second half to break open a close game en route to a 67-49 victory over visiting Loyola-Chicago on Friday.

Illinois won its 13th straight opener and spoiled the coaching debut of Loyola's Porter Moser, an Illinois native.

Leonard, a 7-foot 1 sophomore center Meyers Leonard, also had a career-high six of Illinois' 13 blocked shots and shot 7-for-10 from the field. The Illinois' defense was strong throughout, forcing 22 turnovers.

Illinois led 28-23 with 17:54 remaining before increasing their lead to 36-23. The Illini shot 50 percent from the field in the second half.

Brandon Paul, who has come off the bench the past two seasons, added 14 points for Illinois while Tyler Griffey scored 10.

Walt Gibler scored a game-high 19 points for Loyola (0-1).