COL BKB: Illinois 79, Ohio State 74

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Brandon Paul exploded for 43 points Tuesday, draining eight 3-pointers for Illinois in its 79-74 upset win over fifth-ranked Ohio State.

Paul went 11-of-15 from the field and 13-of-15 from the free-throw line while also hauling down eight rebounds and contributing four blocked shots for the Fighting Illini (15-3, 4-1 Big Ten).

Paul's efforts led to a third consecutive win for Illinois.

The Buckeyes (15-3, 3-2), meanwhile, were bounced despite a combined 44 points from Deshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger.