COLUMBUS (AP) — Keita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 35 points and had 13 rebounds and No. 17 Ohio State held off Illinois 75-67.
The Buckeyes have won three straight and 10 of their last 11.
Jae’Sean Tate scored 11 points, and Kaleb Wesson had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Buckeyes (20-5, 11-1), who have won three straight and 10 of their last 11.
They move on to a showdown with No. 3 Purdue on Wednesday to determine first place in the Big Ten.
Mark Alstork had 19 points for the Illini, who have yet to win a game on the road this season.
Ohio State guard Kam Williams has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules hours before tip off against Illinois in Columbus.
School Ohio spokesman Dan Wallenberg says on Twitter that coach Chris Holtmann had suspended Williams, a senior from Baltimore.
A specific reason wasn’t given.