Eastern Illinois dumps Chicago State 82-68 Eds: APNewsNow. Eastern Illinois 82, Chicago State 68.

CHICAGO (AP) Jeremy Granger scored a career-high 24 points and Eastern Illinois improved to 3-1 for the first time in 11 years by whipping Chicago State 82-68 Tuesday night.

Granger, a Chicago native, was 7 of 12 from the floor and a perfect 9 of 9 from the foul line. Tyler Laser added 17 and Shaun Pratl 12 for the Panthers.

Eastern Illinois outshot Chicago State 54 percent to 33 percent, but the Cougars (3-2) got part of that back by going 27 of 38 from the free-throw line.

Carl Montgomery led Chicago State with 21 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Antonio Lofton chipped in with 13 points.

The Panthers led 47-28 at halftime.

The loss was Chicago State's first at home after three victories.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-24-09 2230CST | save this article / add to your favorites list