CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- John Shurna scored 24 points to lead
Northwestern past Illinois 74-70 on Sunday.



Reggie Hearn added 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting for the Wildcats
(14-8, 4-6), who shot 60 percent from the floor to win
back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time this season.



Brandon Paul scored 22 points and Meyers Leonard had 21 for
Illinois (16-7, 5-5). Leonard was 10 of 12 from the field,
making his first nine shots.



Northwestern opened the game with four quick 3-pointers to take
an 18-9 lead, but a driving layup from Tracy Abrams topped a
20-11 run for Illinois to tie the game at 29.



Illinois didn't hold a lead until 16 minutes left in the second
half, and an Abrams jumper with 5:17 left tied the score at
56-56, but Northwestern went on a 16-8 run from there to take
control.