Ill.-Chicago 77, Valparaiso 53

2/11/2008 10:11 PM

CHICAGO (AP) -Josh Mayo scored 18 points to lead Illinois-Chicago to a 77-53 win over Valparaiso on Monday night.

Scott VanderMeer added 13 points and eight rebounds and Spencer Stewart chipped in 11 points for Illinois-Chicago (14-10, 8-5 Horizon League), which has won four straight.

Illinois-Chicago led 34-30 at the half, but pulled away after the break on a 28-9 run. The Flames shot 58 percent in the second half, compared with 28 percent shooting for Valparaiso (14-10, 5-7).

Illinois-Chicago also had seven 3-pointers after the break, compared with three 3-pointers for the Crusaders, who have lost a season-worst four in a row. The Flames also pulled in 20 points off Valparaiso turnovers.

Shawn Huff had a game-high 19 points and Jarryd Loyd added 14 points for Valparaiso.

Valparaiso beat Illinois-Chicago 60-56 when the teams met in Indiana on Jan. 24.