Reggie Hearn scored 20 points and Northwestern built an early lead using 3-point shooting to hand No. 23 Illinois its third straight loss, 68-54 on Thursday night.

Illinois has lost 5 of 7 after starting 12-0.

The Wildcats (11-7, 2-3 Big Ten) were 8 of 15 from 3-point range but hit 5 of those shots in the first half to build a 36-21 lead.

The cold-shooting Illini (14-5, 1-4) closed within 48-39 on a free throw by Brandon Paul with 4:36 to play. Illinois would get no closer.

Jared Swopshire had 12 points and six rebounds for Northwestern, while Alex Marcotullio scored 12 points and Dave Sobolewski added 10.

Paul had 21 points for Illinois, which shot 38% from the field, including 15% from 3-point range.

NCAA Top-25 Basketball ("USA Today" Rankings)
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#3 Duke Blue Devils 73, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 57
#5 Michigan Wolverines 83, #12 Minnesota Golden Gophers 75
#8 Gonzaga Bulldogs 71, Portland Pilots 49
#9 Florida Gators 68, Texas A&M Aggies 47
#19 Virginia Commonwealth Rams 92, Saint Joseph's Hawks 86 (OT)
#25 UCLA Bruins 74, Oregon State Beavers 64