ILLINOIS 65, IOWA 54: Meyers Leonard overwhelmed an undersized Iowa frontcourt, scoring 22 points and snatching 14 rebounds for host Illinois.

Illinois (17-12, 6-10 Big Ten) snapped a six-game losing skid and picked up its seventh straight victory over the Hawkeyes. Iowa (15-14, 7-9 Big Ten) had its two-game winning run spoiled and hasn’t won in Champaign since Feb. 21, 1999.

Leonard finished off an Illinois’ 3-on-1 with a thunderous two-hand flush, picking up the foul and knocking down the ensuing foul shot – breaking the backs of the Hawkeyes with just over three minutes remaining in the game.

After struggling to maximize Leonard’s potential all season, the Illini fed their 7-footer constantly versus the Hawkeyes. He finished 7 for 13 from the field, and a perfect 8 for 8 from the foul line.

Iowa would adjust on Leonard in the second half, putting the ball in the hands of Illinois’ inconsistent backcourt. D.J. Richardson stepped up, draining a deep 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to keep the Illini ahead 49-38 with just over seven minutes remaining.

Brandon Paul finished with 17 points for the Illini, while Richardson chipped in with 12.

Matt Gatens knocked down his first five shots from outside and finished with 22 points in the loss. Gatens struggled in the second half with Paul's defense limiting him to only seven points.

Roy Devyn Marble added 10 points and five assists for Iowa.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Illini stars Paul and Leonard came off the bench to start the game … The Hawkeyes’ 10-game streak with 10 or more steals came to an end (seven steals)… Paul surpassed the 1,000-point mark … The teams combined for 33 turnovers.