Champaign, IL (Sports Network) – Brandon Paul came off the bench and provided a game-deciding lift, scoring 20 points to push 23rd-ranked Illinois past No. 17 Michigan State, 71-62, in a pivotal Big Ten clash at Assembly Hall.
Jereme Richardson added 14 points and Demetri McCamey dished out 11 assists to go along with his 15 points. Mike Davis provided some interior muscle with 11 points and 11 rebounds for Illinois (14-5, 4-2 Big Ten), which responded from a two-game losing streak away from Champaign by using the Orange Crush to its advantage on Tuesday night.
Kalin Lucas scored 15 points, Durrell Summers 13 points and Draymond Green 12 for the Spartans (12-6, 4-2), who were passive in attacking the rim (attempting just nine foul shots). Michigan State stayed close by pounding the offensive glass, corralling 14 offensive boards, including six by Delvon Roe.