EVANSTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Keaton Wagler scored 22 points and Tomislav Ivisic added 21 to lead Illinois to a 79-68 victory over Northwestern in a Big Ten men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Fighting Illini, who improved to 14-3, never trailed after building a 38-33 halftime lead. They shot 47.6% from the field and were perfect on eight free throw attempts. Jayden Reid led the Wildcats with 28 points and Nick Martinelli scored 20, but Northwestern fell to 8-9 despite making 15 of 17 free throws. Illinois held a decisive 13-6 advantage in assists and outrebounded Northwestern 13-12 on the offensive glass. Attendance was 7,039.