Illini top Lewis in exhibition finale

CHAMPAIGN -- Mike Davis scored 18 points off the bench and Demetri McCamey added 16 to lead Illinois to a 62-56 victory over Lewis in exhibition play on Sunday.

The Illini used its size to hold off a run by the Flyers in the final minutes to avoid an upset in their final game before the start of the regular season.

Illinois' advantage up front helped the Illini score 14 second chance points to make up for shooting 37.3-percent (22-59) from the field and just 23.8-percent (5-21) from 3-point range.

"It's a learning process for us and it'll be a long process," Illini coach Bruce Weber said. "We had some chances to extend the lead but we really never got it going."

Illinois struggled to find a rhythm on offense in its second straight exhibition game, starting the game 2-for-11 from the field and allowing Lewis to pull within 30-26 at halftime.

Davis grabbed seven rebounds and a team-high five blocks.

"I'm looking to help my team out any way possible," Davis said. "Coach has just told me to play my game and go out and play hard and rebound and it's kept my confidence up.

Despite having the lead for the majority of the game Illinois struggled to sustain a long run to put Lewis away.

Brandon Dagans led Lewis with 18 points and five assists to help keep the Flyers close throughout.

An 11-2 run by the Illini put Illinois ahead 47-33 with 11 minutes left, but the breathing room left the Illini a little too relaxed and the Flyers took advantage of the let down.

Lewis responded with a 17-5 highlighted by two three-pointers by Mike Robinson to pull back to 52-50 with four minutes remaining.

McCamey knocked down two crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes to seal the victory.

Illinois opens the regular season play Friday at home against Eastern Washington.