Eastern Illinois knocks off Chicago State 84-62

Published Feb. 24, 2014 11:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) Chris Olivier tied his season high of 20 points, making 8 of 10 field goals, as Eastern Illinois easily defeated Chicago State 84-62 Monday night.

Sherman Blanford had 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Eastern Illinois, which had a season-high 61.7 percent shooting, making 29 of 47 field goal attempts. The Panthers limited Chicago State to just 29.4 percent from the field in the first half.

Reggie Smith also had 13 points with six assists, Josh Piper totaled 11 points, and Luke Piotrowski had 10 for Eastern Illinois (10-18).

The Panthers were up 14-4 midway of the first half before Chicago State closed to 33-25 following a dunk by Jared Dimakos and a three-point play by Natee Duhon, who finished with 12 points.

Eastern Illinois held a commanding 40-25 halftime lead.

Eddie Denard led Chicago State (11-16) with 14 points.