The Illini (15-7, 7-5 Big Ten) celebrated the healthy return of center Tomislav Ivisic (mono) by outrebounding Ohio State 43-31 and hammering the Buckeyes (13-9, 5-6) inside – especially in the second half. Illinois outscored the visitors 52-30 in the paint.

Coach Jake Diebler and the Ohio State men's hoops like they would extend their winning streak for much of the afternoon, but Illinois rallied late.

Don't look now, but the Ohio State basketball team might be getting hot at the right time. After losing three in a row by a combined total of five points, the Buckeyes have rattled off three wins in a row and done so in convincing fashion.