No. 16 Illinois wasted little time putting away overmatched Toledo en route to a 84-45 victory Wednesday in regional play in the 2K Sport Challenge benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

The host Illini (2-0) led by 29 at half and were never challenged by the Rockets (0-1).

Toledo went 4-28 last season and appears headed for more struggles this year under new coach Tod Kowalczyk. The Rockets shot 35 percent from the field, turned it over 23 times and were outrebounded by 19. Delino Dear had a team-high 11 points.

Illinois, in contrast, looks poised to contend in the Big Ten. The Illlini shot nearly 60 percent from the floor and got balanced scoring with four players finishing in double figures. Demetri McCarney led with 13 points, and Mike Davis added 12. Eleven players scored for the Illini.

Illinois will host Southern Illinois Saturday, before facing Texas Nov. 18 in the Championship Round of the 2K Sport Challenge/Coaches vs. Cancer at Madison Square Garden.

It doesn't get any easier for Toledo, which plays at No. 22 Temple Sunday.