CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Norfolk State men's basketball team attempted to notch another historic victory over a national program, but No. 10-ranked Illinois survived NSU's upset bid and defeated the Spartans, 64-54, Tuesday night at Assembly Hall.

After the NCAA tournament win over No.3 Missouri last year, NSU came close to repeating that performance again on an ESPN3 national broadcast. Down by three at the half, the Spartans got to within three with just two and a half minutes left in the game. NSU, though, was unable to capitalize on its few late possessions, and the Fighting Illini made their free throws late in the game to pull away to the final 10-point margin.

Unlike the shootout win over the Tigers last March, in which both teams hit better than 50 percent, the Spartans stayed with the Illini thanks to their defense.

Illinois came into the game first in the nation in 3-point field goals per game and 14th in 3-point shooting, hitting better than 40 percent from long range. The Illini, though, hit just 6-of-23 from 3-point range, as NSU's aggressive, man-to-man defense forced Illinois to create shots by going to the hoop or settling for mid-range jumpers.

The Spartans held Brandon Paul, Illinois' top scorer averaging nearly 20 points a game, to just 14 points on 3-of-10 shooting. D.J. Richardson added 11 and was the only other player in double figures for Illinois, which converted on just 21-of-60 shooting (35.0 percent). The Illini had just six assists on their 21 baskets.

Freshman Rashid Gaston led the Spartans with 12 points and eight boards, while junior Pendarvis Williams tallied 11 points, all in the first half. NSU struggled on the boards, as Illinois held a 43-36 edge on the glass, including 17-9 on the offensive side.

Jamal Fuentes had five assists, four points and three steals. Kris Brown and Malcolm Hawkins each added eight points on the night.

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