March 1, 2008

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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Shaun Pruitt scored 18 points as Illinois defeated Iowa 58-47 Saturday.

The Illini went on a 16-5 run midway through the first half to take control of the game and never looked back.

Illinois (12-17, 4-12 Big Ten) led by as many as 11 during the second half.

Iowa (12-18, 5-12) pulled to within five at 45-40 on a Tony Freeman free throw with 6:11 remaining, but Trent Meacham sank a 3-pointer to push Illinois' lead to eight.

Freeman again brought Iowa to within five on a three-point play with 2:21 remaining, but the Hawkeyes would get no closer.

Shaun Pruitt got credit for a basket on a goaltending call, and Meacham added a pair of free throws to stretch Illinois' lead to nine.

The Illini sank their last six free throws to put the game away.

Freeman led Iowa with 21 points.