Illini take Big Ten lead with win over Badgers

MADISON, Wis. -- Dee Brown and Rich McBride scored 16 points each and No. 6 Illinois beat Wisconsin 66-51 Tuesday night.

It was Illinois' fourth straight victory over the Badgers -- including two victories at the Kohl Center, where Illinois is the only Big Ten team to beat the Badgers in five years under coach Bo Ryan.

Illinois (20-2, 6-2) took sole possession of first place in the Big Ten with the win, moving a half-game ahead of Michigan and Iowa.

Down six at halftime after blowing an 11-point first-half lead, the Badgers rallied in the second half and Ray Nixon missed a 3-pointer that would've given them the lead.

But the Illini responded with James Augustine's layup, and Jamar Smith's 3-pointer off a McBride steal gave the Illini a 49-42 lead with 8:50 to play.

A McBride 3-pointer extended the Illinois lead to 55-43, causing the Badgers to call a timeout with 7:12 remaining.

Two Brian Butch free throws brought the Badgers within 58-49 with 2:18 left, but Wisconsin (15-6, 5-3) couldn't get any closer.

Illinois began the game shooting 7-for-22 and trailed 24-13 after Alando Tucker's drive and layup with 9:25 remaining in the half.

But the Illini went on a 19-0 runand went into halftime with a 34-28 lead.