CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Brandon Paul scored 20 points Tuesday and No. 22 Illinois posted its 10th straight home win with a 71-62 victory over No. 18 Michigan State.
Paul came off the bench to score 17 of his points in the first half for Illinois (14-5, 4-2 Big Ten), which rebounded from a pair of tough losses on the road with a key conference victory on its home court.
Jereme Richardson chipped in with 14 points, Demetri McCamey distributed 11 assists in addition to his 15 points and Mike Davis donated 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Illini.
The Spartans (12-6, 4-2) stayed close throughout but couldn't overcome their anemic 39.3 percent shooting from the floor.
Kalin Lucas led Michigan State with 15 points while Durrell Summers added 13.
