CHAMPAIGN – The Illini led by 30 points but a wayward pass by Myke Henry sailed over the bench was enough to infuriate coach John Groce.

Groce – an enemy of sloppy play even in a blowout – was the only one who did not appear to have a thoroughly pleasurable evening as he smacked the scorers’ table and stomped his foot on the court a few times.

Illinois breezed to a 89-64 victory against St. Francis for a 2-0 start to the season and a reason for frustrated Illini fans to turn a year-long grimace into a smile.