Illinois took care of business against Iowa on Wednesday night. Now the Illini can focus on Saturday's showdown with No. 5 Michigan State.
Demetri McCamey scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds and collected seven assists as Illinois tripped Iowa for the fifth straight time 57-49.
Illinois, in a three-way tie for second in the Big Ten, can pull within one game of Michigan State with a victory at home Saturday night.
McCamey, who leads the Big Ten in assists, scored the last six points of the first half as Illinois (15-8, 7-3) grabbed a 35-27 lead at intermission. The Hawkeyes (8-15, 2-8) pulled within three points late in the game but could never tie or take the lead.
Mike Tisdale had 14 points and seven rebounds for Illinois. D.J. Richardson added 11 points.
Matt Gatens topped Iowa (8-15, 2-8) with 12 points. Jarryd Cole scored 10.
