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 team looked like they would extend their winning streak for much of the afternoon, but Illinois rallied late.

Ohio State basketball had a problem finding the hoop in the second half and dropped a game to Illinois on the road Sunday.