COL BKB: Ohio State 89, Illinois 70

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- David Lighty scored 21 points and Jared Sullinger hauled down 11 rebounds Tuesday in No. 3 Ohio State's 89-70 victory over Illinois.

Sullinger added 12 points and William Buford chipped in with 17 and five rebounds for the Buckeyes (26-2, 13-2 Big Ten), who collected a much-needed win to maintain their lead in the Big Ten standings.

Jon Diebler connected on a trio of 3-pointers en route to 13 points and Aaron Craft came off the bench to add 12 as Ohio State moved 1 1/2 games in front of Purdue atop the conference.

Mike Davis led the Illini (17-11, 7-8) with 18 points and seven rebounds and Demetri McCamey put in 15 points and distributed six assist in the loss, Illinois' third in four games.