No. 13 Illinois traveled to Spokane to face No. 10 Gonzaga on Saturday night and took care of business, winning 85-74.
Paul led the Illini with 35 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks in the upset victory. With just over one minute to play in regulation and time running down on the shot clock, Paul crossed over his defender and knocked down a step-back three-pointer to put the game away.
The Bulldogs did most of their damage from the free-throw line, converting 21-of-27 free throws. Kelly Olynyk scored 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds for Gonzaga in the losing effort. Elias Harris scored 15 points with seven rebounds and four assists.
The Fighting Illini started the game cold, missing their first four shots and digging themselves into an early 8-0 hole. Brandon Paul hit a three-pointer to finally put the Illini on the board with 17:40 to begin his outstanding performance.