Leonard Helps No. 25 Illinois Edge Cornell 64-60

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Meyers Leonard had 19 points and a career-high 16 rebounds to lead No. 25 Illinois to a 64-60 victory over Cornell on Monday night.

After trailing for the most of the game, Illinois (11-1) was sparked by D.J. Richardson's nine points in the second half and narrowly avoided its second consecutive loss.

Josh Figini scored all 14 of his points in the first half to lead Cornell (4-4).

Illinois opened the second half 1 for 13 from the field and fell behind 42-36, then put together a 14-6 run to regain the lead. The teams exchanged leads until the final minute, when Richardson hit a pull-up jumper with 17 seconds left to put Illinois up 62-58.

Cornell hit six 3-pointers, including three by Figini, to jump out to a 24-14 lead. Illinois tied the score 32-all by halftime.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)