Illinois' next test is at ranked Michigan St.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- After a couple of challenging games, Illinois looked like its old self again in defeating Minnesota before hundreds of former players remembering 100 years of Illini basketball.

The top-ranked Illini (21-0, 7-0 Big Ten) easily defeated the Golden Gophers 89-66 Saturday. Minnesota was outgunned from the opening tip.

The Illini shared the basketball, spread the scoring around and played smothering defense. Roger Powell Jr. scored 21 points to lead four players in double figures, Illinois had 21 assists on 33 baskets and its defense forced Minnesota (14-6, 4-3) into a shot-clock violation and four shots with the clock nearing zero.

"Just a good solid defensive effort," said Illini coach Bruce Weber. "We shot the ball well. We were able to go inside, go outside. Just a lot of positive things."

But the Illini must celebrate quickly because they travel to Michigan State on Tuesday, and a loss would make the Big Ten title race much closer. The 15th-ranked Spartans are 5-1 in conference play.

"They don't come back here. It's a huge game for us," Weber said. "If we go up there and find a way to win, now we're two up on them because they lost at Wisconsin. If they beat us, we really are chasing them because we don't get that (second) chance to beat them."

Saturday's win all but assured that the Illini will stay No. 1 for the ninth straight week when the AP poll comes out Monday. It also extended Illinois' regular-season Big Ten winning streak to 17 games, tying a school record set from 1914-16 and was its 17th straight at the Assembly Hall.

In their last home game, the Illini shot only 33 percent from the field and needed overtime to defeat Iowa and five days later they fell behind Wisconsin in the second half before rallying to break the Badgers' 38-game home winning streak. So Saturday's easy victory was welcome, especially coming before so many former players who had returned to celebrate the centennial.

"I think we wanted to come out and put on a show," said Deron Williams, who scored 18 points and had six assists.

After the Illini won over Minnesota, Michigan State defeated nonconference foe Oakland 92-75 Saturday night. The Spartans said they weren't pleased with their play against the Golden Grizzlies, a team the Illini defeated 85-54 in November.

"Honestly, if we play this way Tuesday, I think we'll come out with a loss," said guard Kelvin Torbert.

Don't expect the Illini to listen.

"I think they're more athletic than Wisconsin," Williams said. "They're a good team. They've got a great coach. It's going to be a battle when we go up there."