After facing a halftime deficit, Illinois (4-0) came back with its defense as the Illini went on a 9-0 run to take a 46-37 lead early in the second half. During the run, the Illini picked up three steals.
Brown (1-4) took a 35-31 lead into halftime by shooting 51.9 percent from the field. Illinois' offense, which entered the game averaging 100.3 points per game, was limited to 30.6 percent from the floor in the first half.
Rayvonte Rice added 15 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.
Steven Spieth led Brown with 21 points and seven rebounds. He was an efficient 7-of-10 from the field but had four turnovers.
