Illinois 85, Missouri 70

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Freshman Dee Brown scored 21 points and dished out seven assists and Brian Cook contributed 17 points Saturday as the 12th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini defeated No. 10 Missouri for the third straight year, 85-70.

Illinois (8-0) improved to 21-12 all-time against Missouri (6-1), including a 3-0 mark under Coach Bill Self. It took the lead for good, 15-13, on a three-pointer by Luther Head 6 1/2 minutes into the contest.

The Illini, who led at halftime, 39-32, pulled away early in the second period and took their biggest advantage at 83-64 on a layup by Sean Harrington with just over two minutes to play.

Rickey Paulding scored 17 points, Ricky Clemons added 16 and Jimmy McKinney 15 for the Tigers, who shot just 38 percent while allowing the Illini to connect at 45 percent.