The Illinois Fighting Illini trailed the Ohio State Buckeyes at halftime 39-34, but thanks to a big second half the Iliini were able to rally back to take down the No. 5 ranking Buckeyes at home. Early in the second half, Illinois was able to go on a quick 9-0 run on the Buckeyes to pull within just two points. Brandon Paul then was able to sink a pair of three-point shots and some free throws to take the lead.
No. 5 Ohio State Vs. Illinois: Fighting Illini Take Down Buckeyes, 79-74
The Illinois Fighting Illini were able to knock off No. 5 Ohio State, thanks to 43 points from Brandon Paul.
The play of Brandon Paul in the second half got Illinois the lead and were able to hold it thanks to some more late shots by the guard who ended the night with a whopping 43 points with 8 rebounds. Paul killed the Buckeyes from the three-point line, hitting on 8 of his 10 shots from beyond the arc. Ohio State couldn’t contain Paul in the second half as he lead the Illini back for the victory.
For the Buckeyes, both Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas scored over 20 points, but it just wasn't enough to keep up with the Illinois scoring in the second half.
For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team, visit SB Nation’s Ohio State blog Along The Olentangy. For more on the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, visit SB Nation’s Illinois blog Hail To The Orange.
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