Illini rally late but can't avoid second loss to Hoosiers

~ Indiana held on for a 62-60 victory over Illinois.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Mike Davis wasn't even sure Marco Killingsworth could play Tuesday night. Fortunately for Indiana, Killingsworth's back proved strong enough to carry the Hoosiers.

Killingsworth overcame pregame back spasms to dominate the middle in the second half, and Roderick Wilmont added 17 points as the 13th-ranked Hoosiers upset No. 7 Illinois 62-60.

Wilmont provided the spark in the first half after Indiana fell into an early 11-point hole. Killingsworth scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half and added 12 rebounds, one assist and four blocks.

But Wilmont was every bit as impressive. He tied a season high with 17 points, matched his career-high with nine rebounds and sparked an 18-0 first-half run that gave Indiana the momentum it needed.

Shaun Pruitt led the Illini with a career-high 17 points. Brian Randle added 15 and James Augustine had 11. Dee Brown, Illinois' top player, was limited to five points but had 11 assists before fouling out.

During a 15-6 run that gave Indiana a 55-40 lead with 8:23 left, Killingsworth scored 12 points.

Illinois (16-2, 2-2) answered with 12 straight points and when Randle completed a three-point play with 4:52 left, the Illini were back within 55-52.

Three times, the Illini got as close as two. When Jamar Smith tipped in Dee Brown's errant 3 with 4.5 seconds left, Indiana's lead was cut to 61-60.

But Robert Vaden hit 1-of-2 free throws with 3.6 seconds left, Rich McBride's halfcourt heave was off the mark and the Indiana fans streamed onto the court.