Champaign, IL -- (Sports Network) - Trent Meacham netted a game-high 18 points to pace the Illinois Fighting Illini in a 66-50 triumph of the Eastern Washington Eagles in non-conference action at Assembly Hall.

Chester Frazier added 13 points and five boards for Illinois (1-0), while Demetri McCamey came off the bench to chip in with 11 points.

Despite shooting just 4-of-15 from the floor, Benny Valentine led EWU (0-1) in scoring with 14 points. Brandon Moore also got involved, registering 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Illini converted on 4-of-6 attempts from three-point range and 7-of-10 at the foul line the first half, but went into the break tied with EWU, 35-35.

In the second half, Illinois held the Eagles to a dismal 19.2 percent shooting effort from the field, as it pulled away for the 16-point victory.

The Illini forced 14 turnovers in the game, scoring 17 points off those miscues.