By Courtney Linehan

Senior writer

Seniors James Augustine and Dee Brown took care of business Sunday, leading the Illini to a 70-58 win over Indiana and securing themselves a share of the school record for most career wins.

Augustine and Brown are now tied with former teammate Nick Smith at 110 career wins.

Augustine had 18 points to lead all scorers and 10 boards to lead all rebounding, while Brown tossed in 10 points, five rebounds and four assists as No. 13 Illinois improved to 22-4 overall and 8-4 in the Big Ten.

“Dee Brown, I know he didn’t score a lot of points, but he’s a guy that controlled the tempo of the game,” Indiana head coach Mike Davis said.

Brown’s only bucket of the first stanza came on a fast break layup, but the point guard set the pace in the second half, when he scored eight of his 10 points.

“He’s a kid, and even he is human,” Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. “I think he’s gotten through that doubt now and he’s just playing a lot more energetic and explosive.”

Augustine slammed down four dunks in the game, including a pair of back-to-back buckets five minutes into the second half.

While the forward continued to struggle with foul trouble – he fouled out with 1:18 left in the game – he found a way to get to the basket before being benched.

“I think there’s a lot of weaknesses in our zone offense, but today we made a baby step towards it,” Augustine said. “I don’t think it’s where we want to be, but I think we’re making little strides towards it.”

Illinois’ game plan in facing the Hoosiers (13-10, 5-7) required a strong start. With Davis stepping down just three days before Indiana headed to Champaign, Weber wanted to ensure the Hoosiers wouldn’t have an emotional advantage.

“I think the key to the game was how they would react,” Weber said. “One of the things that we told our guys was that that we had to get off to a great start, with a lot of enthusiasm, and that nullified any motivational edge.”

Sunday’s win puts Illinois in control of its own destiny; the Illini will finish first in the Big Ten if they can win their four remaining contests. They still have trips to Michigan, Minnesota and Michigan State, and will face No. 18 Iowa on Senior Night next Saturday.

“A lot of things can happen,” Weber said. “It’s just a crazy league, and we’re in it. The last two weeks of the season, we’re in it for the Championship.”