Mike Tisdale led a balanced offensive effort with 18 points and No. 19 Illinois took control early in a 78-63 road win over Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The Fighting Illini (6-1) used runs of nine and eight consecutive points to seize a 25-11 lead, then finished the half with another 10-2 spurt to take a 49-24 advantage into the locker room. The Broncos (1-3) cut into that deficit in the second period but never seriously threatened, with the final margin the closest the score got after halftime.

Western Michigan’s defense could do little to slow the visitors, who shot 51.6 percent (33 of 64) from the field and enjoyed a 37-26 rebounding edge.

Brandon Paul finished with 14 points for the Illini, while Mike Davis and Jereme Richmond added 12 apiece. Point guard Demetri McCamey contributed eight points and 10 assists.

Matt Stainbrook and Nate Hutcheson led Western Michigan with 16 and 15 points, respectively.