David Lighty scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half and added six steals as No. 3 Ohio State pulled away from visiting Illinois, 89-70, on Tuesday.

William Buford scored all 17 of his points in the first half and Jared Sullinger collected 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Buckeyes (26-2, 13-2 Big Ten), who committed only three turnovers while forcing 16 to move 1 ½ games ahead of Purdue in the Big Ten.

Mike Davis scored 18 points for the Fighting Illini (17-11, 7-8), who missed a shot to add a signature win to an NCAA Tournament at-large resume that has taken some hits. They have dropped eight of 12.

Illinois shot 8 of 9 from 3-point range in the first half but still went into the locker room down, 47-32, as Ohio State shot 57 percent from the floor. The Illini had it down to 33-30 after four straight 3-pointers before the Buckeyes closed the period with a 14-2 burst.

Illinois made a bid to get back into it early in the second, cutting it to 49-43, before Lighty caught fire with 13 straight points.