D.J. Richardson scored 13 points and ignited a late-game run Tuesday that carried No. 14 Illinois over Western Carolina 72-64. The Illini (9-0) couldn\'t shake the pesky Catamounts until late in the game when Richardson canned two 3-pointers to spark a decisive 12-2 run. Brandon Paul put in 14 points and Tracy Abrams added 10 as Illinois avoided a potential major upset. Preston Ross and Brandon Boggs combined for 33 points for Western Carolina (3-6), which was seeking its first-ever win over a nationally ranked opponent.