After learning its best all-around player was to undergo surgery in Philadelphia on Friday, the Illinois basketball team needed to once again turn a negative into a positive. Behind the early efforts of Warren Carter and Calvin Brock, Illinois did just that as it raced out to an early 13-3 lead against Georgia Southern and cruised to an 85-50 victory on Friday night at the Assembly Hall.

Following Illinois’ win over Jackson State on Wednesday night, Bruce Weber admitted to being worried about facing Georgia Southern. But a career-high 19 points from Trent Meacham and 17 points from Brock was enough to bring Illinois’ record to 3-0.

“I’m surprised how easily we beat them; they gave Duke a tussle the other night and Duke ended up winning,” Weber said. “I thought maybe we could do the same thing, maybe fight through the first half and then kind of wear them down, but we shot the ball so well early, got good ball movement. A lot of nice play from a lot of people.”

Because of Illinois’ limited back-court depth, Meacham started and played 36 minutes, exceeding 35 minutes for the second-straight game. This time around Meacham felt more comfortable on the floor, dishing out four assists.

“You could just see Trent each game a little more confident stepping out making shots, just moving better without the ball and when he has it more assertive, not tentative,” Weber said.

Meacham, a Champaign native, received a standing ovation after he went to the bench for the first time in the second half.

“It’s definitely special,” Meacham said of the ovation. “I just have to keep improving. I’ve been coming to games (at Assembly Hall) my whole life. I’ve dreamed of playing here my whole life. I’m really just trying to make the most of it and enjoy it.”

The lllini shot 46.0 percent from the field (23-of-50 shooting) and 75.6 percent from the free throw line (31-of-41), much improved from the 52.4 percent they shot in their last contest.

“Down the stretch, Chester, 2-for-2, Shaun (Pruitt), 4-for-4,” Weber said. “I bet no one would ever think that would happen in a game, so that was pretty positive.”

Carter added 12 points and three rebounds after getting into early foul trouble, while sophomore guard Chester Frazier contributed 10 points and two assists. Jimmy Tobias led Georgia Southern with 10 points and was the only Eagle player to score in double figures.

The Illini out-rebounded the Eagles 38-31 and also forced them to commit 27 turnovers.

“We told them if we take away easy baskets that they would force shots, and that’s what happened. They got a little antsy,” Weber said. “And obviously, they turned it over and they just didn’t get the free looks that they are used to getting.”

RANDLE UPDATE:

Following Illinois’ win, Weber said Randle’s surgery in Philadelphia on Friday went well, although doctors found more damage than they had anticipated.

It wasn’t until late Thursday night that Randle decided to go ahead with the surgery. The idea of playing games on a week-to-week basis and having to go through the season with pain wasn’t the right decision for Randle and the coaching staff.

“We just felt for the long haul, we need him healthy,” Weber said. “I think the doctor was pleased that Brian and his family made the decision to go ahead with the surgery.”

Randle is expected to return to Champaign on Saturday evening and should be at the Assembly Hall when Illinois plays Florida A&M; on Sunday afternoon.

“We have to be careful with him, obviously,” Weber said. “We’re not going to have him next week or for Maryland (on Nov. 28) or for Arizona (on Dec. 2), and the week after, that’s probably even a cautionary thing.”